On Monday, Nov.4, while embracing the beautiful autumn foliage, THE KOOKMIN REVIEW visited the Korean Folk Village located in Yongin with international students from Kookmin University (KMU) to experience traditional Korean culture. Five students (three from KMU’ s International Exchange Club Prometheus and two from outside the club) participated in this exploration trip. THE KOOKMIN REVIEW provided them with a fresh perspective on Korea's rich cultural heritage, making them feel as though they had stepped back in time to the Joseon Dynasty. This article shares the activities the participants engaged in and the feelings they experienced.

Q1. How did wearing the Hanbok make you feel? Was it different from your expectations? Could you describe the differences between Hanbok and the traditional clothing of your country?

Mattes Küpper (KIBS・24) from Germany: Wearing the Hanbok felt special and elegant—much lighter and more comfortable than I expected. Unlike Germany’s sturdy, practical Lederhosen (the traditional men's outfit), Hanbok is flowing and ceremonial, designed for grace rather than durability, while Lederhosen represent a festive, rugged spirit. 

Alexandria Foret (Department of Political Science and International Relations・24) from the U.S.: I had never worn traditional garments before wearing a Hanbok. Wearing the Hanbok made me feel as if I could connect to the culture of Korea on a different level, allowing me to participate in the tradition. The Hanbok was beautiful. I didn't imagine that Koreans wear hoop skirts with the Hanbok. I thought that was something only in Europe. I have been wanting to wear the traditional garments of Korea since I arrived, so I was ecstatically happy to finally wear one after such a long time.

Rahul Roy (KIBS・24) from India: I had planned many times to wear a Hanbok but always postponed it. Here, I finally got the chance to wear traditional Korean clothing, which allowed me to experience Korean culture. I really like Hanbok, especially because there are many variations available which helped me find one that suited me well. I thought I looked like a servant of the king, which made the experience even more memorable. If I compare the differences between Hanbok and Indian traditional clothing like Kurtā and Dhotī, 
I think the only difference is style, as they both reflect each country’s cultural heritage. The Kurtā, like the Hanbok, is also usually long but fully stitched, while the Dhotī is an unstitched cloth wrapped around the legs. The difference also relates to climate suitability—Kurtā and Dhotī are well-suited for India’s summer weather, while Hanbok is more suited to Korea’s climate.

Pham Thi Nhu Quynh (School of Media & Advertising・ 23) from Vietnam: Having the chance to wear a Hanbok and walk on Korean soil feels like such a blessing. Unlike 

the Áo Dài, traditional clothing in Vietnam, Hanbok has a wide, voluminous design that does not cling to the body, making it look great on people of all heights, whether tall or short. 
That’s why I love Hanbok!
Pia Hofmann (School of Civil and Environmental Engineering・24) from Germany: It feels very elegant, like being a princess, especially in the setting of the folk village. 
The German Dirndl (most common in the South) is typically worn at beer or wine festivals, where people gather with friends or family to drink, eat, and dance. I feel that 
Hanbok is mostly worn for taking pictures and enjoying the aesthetic. In southern Germany, it’s also common to own a Dirndl or even several. I had worn a Hanbok before, 
so my expectations were fulfilled!

Q2. What was your impression of the Hanok (Korean traditional houses we saw today while walking along the street)? How do they compare to traditional homes in your country?

Roy: I love the architectural style of Korean tradition- al houses. The wooden frames, curved roofs, and open courtyards create a calm, peaceful feel. While exploring the village, I especially liked the pharmacy house filled with herbal medicine, as it had a very pleasant scent. In India, house structures are mostly similar, but the courtyards are usually located inside, typically in the center, where families gather to celebrate festivals.

Quynh: I have seen Hanoks before when I visited Bukchon Hanok Village and in some films. Whenever I see a Hanok in Seoul, surrounded by tall, dense modern buildings, I feel a sense of healing in its traditional beauty.

Pia: Hanok architecture is very different from German traditional architecture, like the Fachwerkhäuser, especial- ly in the roof structure and the use of paper windows (in Germany, windows are made of glass). I also found it interesting that the doors are sliding, and the floors are covered with oiled paper. However, the wall structure is somewhat similar, using materials like clay, straw, and wood.

Q3. How was the Korean dish you ate? Is there any similar food to it in your country?

Mattes: Bulgogi was delicious—tender, flavorful, and a perfect mix of sweet and savory. In Germany, we don’ t have anything quite like it, but the closest might be marinated meat from a barbecue, although our marinades are usually less sweet and more focused on herbs. Bulgogi’ s unique flavor definitely sets it apart!

Quynh: I had a bowl of Seolleongtang made with rich beef bone broth, which was even more enjoyable for me since I have special memories tied to this dish. I once read a short story from early 20th-century Korea called 'Unsu Joheun Nal' ('A Lucky Day'), and in that story, Seolleong- tang is not just any meal—it’s a special one. Maybe that’s why every time I eat Seolleongtang, I can’t help but think of that story, reflecting on both 20th-century Korea and the present day in the 21st century.

Q4. How was the ‘Pansori’ performance (a traditional Korean musical storytelling form that combines singing, narration, and sometimes dramatic gestures) we watched? What do you think is the most unique aspect of this performance?

Mattes: The Pansori performance was captivating and intense, combining music and storytelling in a way I had never seen before. The most unique part was how a single performer used their voice, expressions, and gestures to convey an entire story with so much emotion. It felt very personal and powerful, almost like a musical play but much simpler and rawer.

Alexandria: The "Pansori" performance was mesmeriz- ing. It reminded me a lot of indigenous music back in the States. With the drum and the long, announced lyrics, I felt there were some similarities. When the singer involved the crowd in the performance, I thought it was sweet. I wish I could have understood the lyrics more clearly, but even with the language barrier, the performance was still impactful and demonstrated a key part of Korean culture.

Pia: It made me feel very calm, it was even a bit meditative as her voice was often in the same pitch, together with the rhythm of the drums. The voice was similar to singing, but also different.

Q5. What was the most impressive part of the street parade ‘Baeknyungayak’ you saw? The parade represented a traditional Korean wedding, which is quite different from the scenes of weddings in your country, is not it?

Mattes: The most impressive part of the street parade was the colorful traditional attire and the music, which made everything feel vibrant and festive. The Korean wedding scene was so different from Western weddings—there was more ceremony and symbolism, with traditional outfits and rituals that felt ancient and meaningful. It seemed less formal and reserved than a Western wedding and much more like a celebration of culture and community.

Alexandria: Western weddings are not as lively during the ceremony. I feel Western weddings are very strict, with everyone remaining quiet and still in their seats. The traditional Korean wedding, on the other hand, was spirited and colorful. The dancing of all the guests and servants sending off the bride would bring joy to the entire village, not just the families of the bride and groom. In New Orleans, we have a tradition called the "second line." A second line follows the bride and groom after their wedding, playing music (mostly jazz) and announcing the new Mr. and Mrs. The bride and groom usually carry an umbrella, and guests wave handkerchiefs as they dance through the streets of New Orleans. I would definitely draw similarities between the Korean wedding ceremony and the second line.

Roy: The street parade really caught my attention, and I watched it closely. It was a great opportunity to learn about Korean traditional weddings. I especially liked the two couples who added humor through dance and performance. Although I didn’t understand what they were saying, it was very impressive. Also, the bride holding her hands in front of her face like a curtain created a really suspenseful moment at first. Moreover, it’s quite different from an Indian wedding, as we Indians still follow those old rituals and steps. Normally, a Korean traditional wedding lasts 3-5 hours, which compared to an Indian wedding that typically lasts 5-10 days, is a significant difference.