Visitors on Nov. 12 browse traditional cultural goods at this year's Today's Tradition Festival at Culture Station Seoul 284 in Seoul's Jung-gu District. (Park Dae Jin)

By Uyen Nguyen

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Craft and Design Foundation are hosting Today's Tradition Festival through Nov. 15 at Culture Station Seoul 284 in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

The theme of the annual event's fourth edition is "Bokjak Bokjak, Today's Tradition," a play on a Korean expression meaning a bustling gathering of people and the creation and sharing of good fortune. Through pop-up markets, hands-on activities, performing arts and lectures, the festival shows how traditional culture continues to evolve and finds new relevance in contemporary lifestyles.

The event's centerpiece is a pop-up market for traditional cultural products. A combined 104 brands -- including 39 startups specializing in traditional culture -- offer a range of items such as household accessories, fashion, Hanbok (traditional clothing), food and beverages, and handmade crafts.

Other products include rugs featuring traditional patterns and fashion accessories to Hanbok for everyday wear and desserts inspired by Hansik (traditional cuisine). The craft gift exhibition "Conveying Hearts Through Crafts" features handcrafted items expressing gratitude and affection.

Visitors of all ages can try interactive programs under the theme of bok (good luck). Those who follow the event's official social media will receive a "bok card" usable as a keychain.

Attendees can also roll a juryeonggu, a 14-sided dice from the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.– A.D. 935), for a chance to win prizes.

Other activities include creating scrolls with a family motto, crafting keychains with traditional ornaments and taking free four-cut photo booth strips.

Live performances and lectures are also slated. On Nov. 13, the fusion band Second Moon and sorikkun (traditional folk singer) Oh Danhae will perform, followed by gugak (traditional music) player Samsan on Nov. 14.

Family-oriented children's plays based on picture books will be held from Nov. 14-15, as well as a lecture on the appearance and everyday culture of old Seoul based on paintings from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

The festival's daily hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last admission at 5:30 p.m.

Myung Soohyun, director general of the ministry's Cultural Policy Bureau, said, "We will support efforts to make traditional culture part of everyday enjoyment and consumption while helping startups in the sector achieve sustainable growth and expand market access."

uyen81@korea.kr