The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Oct. 30 announced plans to hold demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage nationwide throughout next month. Shown is a traditional tea ritual.

By Lee Dasom
Photos = Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Oct. 30 announced plans to hold demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage nationwide throughout November.

Masters of stonemasonry, wooden furniture making, scripture reading by blind people and royal tea ceremonies will show traditional technologies and rituals.

The stonemasonry demonstration is slated for Nov. 1 at Heungdekjeon Hall of Deoksugung Palace in Seoul. A stonemason will showcase traditional methods of trimming and carving stones.

On Nov. 2, visitors can see the making of traditional wooden furniture such as windows, wardrobes and chests at the Seoul Intangible Cultural Heritage Center. An exhibition of such furniture that began on Oct. 30 will run until Nov. 23.

On Nov. 6, Miarigogae Arts Theater will host a demonstration of blind people reading scripture, a traditional rite from the Joseon Dynasty meant to ward off disasters and pray to the gods for blessings.

The palace tea ceremony on Nov. 23 at the small auditorium of the National Museum of Korea will cover all rituals serving the drink at the royal court. This event will reenact based on a historical document saying that in the 26th year of King Yeongjo's reign in 1750, he invited those who passed the civil servant exam to Haminjeong Pavilion of Changgyeonggung Palace and had them write things and memorize them.

These events require no reservation to attend. More information on their schedules and venues are available from the Seoul Intangible Cultural Heritage Center at (822) 742-6444).

The poster on the right is for a demonstration of traditional wooden furniture making and that on the right is for royal tea rituals.