- 한국어
- English
- 日本語
- 中文
- العربية
- Español
- Français
- Deutsch
- Pусский
- Tiếng Việt
- Indonesian
By Honorary Reporter Clara Nauri from Peru
Photos = Clara Nauri
The National Museum of Asian Arts in Washington on Oct. 4 celebrated Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) through an event hosted by the Korean Cultural Center and the Korean Ssireum Association.
As in previous years, the event offered a variety of activities including cover performances of K-pop dance, a DJ set, traditional music and dance, ancestral rituals and crafts, and ssireum (traditional wrestling).
The festivities began with a K-pop set by DJ Taegon Lee, followed by cover dance performances and workshops led by N2 Studios, who taught the audience a short choreography. Stands also offered traditional food and pastries at the museum plaza, making it a popular first stop for visitors.
A life-size charye display greets visitors at the entrance of the National Museum of Asian Arts.
The festival featured traditional music and dance performances like drumming, samulnori (traditional percussion), and folk and American old-time fusion. I attended the traditional dance and drumming show by Di Dim Sae Korean Traditional Art Institute at the museum's Meyer Auditorium, with the artists' skill and charisma captivating the audience.
Traditional drummers put on a performance while expertly tossing discs into the air.
Interactive programs included making Chuseok-themed fans or going on a scavenger hunt inside the Korean art gallery. As in many Korean celebrations, a display of Hanbok (traditional clothing) offered visitors a chance to try the outfits on and take photos.
The activity that drew the most attention from children and adults was demonstrations by the Korean Ssireum Association. For many, it was their first time seeing the sport up close, and the matches encouraged volunteers of all ages to try it, earning cheers and laughter from the crowd.
Members of the Korean Ssireum Association pose with volunteers who joined the friendly matches.
msjeon22@korea.kr
*This article was written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.