It’s that time of the year again: the city-wide embassy open house known as Passport DC. Thousands braved Saturday’s dreary weather to experience Korean culture ahead of the evening’s rainstorms. Many fun events were available for visitors to the Korean Embassy’s Korean Cultural Center, also known as KORUS House, from watching Korean pop music videos to taking pictures with staff wearing traditional Korean dress, or hanbok (한복), to tasting a variety of Korean candies and catching a glimpse of the popular children’s show Pororo (뽀로로). Traditional musical instruments were on display in the permanent galleries, as well as the Beauty Women Portrait exhibition of modern and traditional Korean art. Which ended its run on Monday. Throughout the day, visitors were also able to enjoy on the front lawn a demonstration of Taekwondo (태권도), performance carving of jangseung (장승), a type of wooden folk statute, and a traditional Korean drum performance featuring the hourglass drum, or janggu (장구).

 
Walking in, guests were greeted by the upbeat sounds of Korean music videos. Many people watched a variety of the latest hit videos on display throughout the day, offering some eye candy for everyone. Interchanging with the music videos were informational videos about Korea, including topics such as the Korean War, Taekondo, the Korean language, or Hangeul (한글), and Korean cuisine.
 
Across the hall, visitors had the opportunity to vote for Jeju Island in the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest. Jeju has been selected as one of the top 28 finalists in the international tourism promotion campaign, and is in fierce competition with other natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Dead Sea in Israel and Jordan. Many visitors were excited to have their pictures taken after voting, and showed them off to friends and strangers alike. To vote for Jeju Island, visit www.new7wonders.com.
 
Many others viewed traditional Korean instruments, clothing, and dining ware as music flowed throughout the room, serenading visitors with the sounds of gayageum (가야금), a multi-stringed Korean zither, and daegeum (대금), a bamboo flute.
 
On the second floor, guests viewed the beautiful paintings comprising the Beauty Women Portrait art exhibition. This exhibit is based on the theme of Korean classical painter Shin Yunbok’s famous painting “Mi-in-do” (미인도), or “portrait of beauty.” The collection showcases unique portraits by six contemporary Korean artists, depicting the personality and depth rather than mere superficial beauty. The exhibit featured Koh Chan Gyu’s depictions of everyday life, Kim Sun Doo’s modern take on Korea’s traditional ink painting, Park Soon Chul’s paintings full of volume and texture, Baek Jee Hye’s intimate moment between mother and daughter, Son Yeon Chil’s scholarly portraits, and Jung Jong Mee’s modern take on traditional Korean paintings. Visitors’ eyes were treated to a treasure trove of beautiful Korean artwork throughout.
 
Visitors were also invited to the appropriately named “candy room,” where many different Korean treats were available. From plum to grape to pumpkin and walnut, Korean candies include many unique and delicious flavors. Nearby, visitors were also able to enjoy the Korean cartoon Pororo, a popular children’s show about a cute penguin who goes on adventures with his friends.
 
Outside, visitors and pasersby saw performances throughout the day. First was a group demonstration from TigerEye Taekwondo in Fairfax, Virginia, including poomse (품세) forms, kyukpa (격파) breaking, a Taekwon dance, and hosinsool (호신술) self defense demonstrations.
 
The jangseung, or wood carving, performance began with an incense burning and prayer, the master carver began. Within the blink of an eye, with wood chips flying, the section of pine tree trunk was carved in to a fantastical face traditionally used to ward off evil from villages in Korean folk culture. The carving was then painted with Korean hangeul letters and adorned with bright red, yellow, white, and blue cloth. Visitors took part in spreading similar ribbons around the jangseung to complete the ceremonial performance.
 
The third and final performance of the day was on the janggu, an iconic Korean percussion instrument with two striking surfaces at either end of an hourglass shape.   Visitors were captivated at the speed and accuracy of drummer Sebastian Wang’s skill.
 
By the end of the day, thousands of guests has come through the doors of the Korean Cultural Center, many without doubt looking forwards to their next visit. To find out more about upcoming public programs at KORUS House, check for updates on this website, at www.dynamic-korea.com.
 
By Hannah Newman and Adam Wojciechowicz
 
  

 

Thousands of visitors passed through the Korean Embassy’s Korean Cultural Center, also known as KORUS House, throghout the day.

 

Sebastian Wang performs on the janggu, a traditional Korean hourglass drum, for a captivated audience.
  

Visitors view the Beauty Women Portrait art exhibition on display during the Passport DC festivities. KORUS House hosts exhibits throughout the year, and is open to the public every weekday.

 

A master craftsman carves a jangseung guardian statue out of a section of tree trunk in a ceremonial performance.

 

Visitors had an opportunity to vote for the South Korean island of Jeju, a finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature international competition.

 

Students from TigerEye Taekwondo in Fairfax, Va. give a demonstration of their skills.

 

Visitors watched a variety of videos about Korea and its pop culture hits in the Korean Cultural Center’s digital theater room.

 

The candy room lives up to its name, with a wide variety of Korean sweets.

 

Guests pose for a picture with stunning top model Jihye Goo, wearing traditional Korean clothing known as hanbok.