Wandering and Music in Myeongdong

Rob and I had a date day just before our trip to Japan, so we headed to the Myeongdong neighborhood to do some exploring. First stop was lunch at Koogane, a chicken galbi restaurant.

We ordered a chicken and rice meal, with a variety of dokboki (flavored rice cakes).

Mmmmmmm...cooked right at our table, and served with rice and a bunch of sides.

Then we headed toward the M-Plaza building, to visit the Seoul Global Cultural Center.

There were some interesting items in the area:

Had to stop in at this sock shop:

I LOVE that there are sooooo many different designs at cheap prices here.

But until we passed this store mannequin, I did NOT know there were soooo many different mask treatments available for one's body!  ;)

We eventually headed into the center and waited for a traditional music performance to start.

The performance space is called Haechi Hall and I snuck a few pictures of the instruments:

Ajaeng - base sounding zither played with a small stick

Janggu - two-handed drum

Gayageum - plucked string instrument

And the music...

The group performing that day was the Gugak Broadcasting Group, on traditional string, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The announcer also sang some pansori music at the end of the session.

Here is a short clip of the entire ensemble performing an upbeat Korean song:

Each member of the orchestra played a short piece to showcase its unique style and sound. Here is an example of the Piri (a small double reed, like the oboe) and then the Haegeum (a fiddle-like instrument with only two strings).

After the orchestra, the center had two of its Jjangu students come out to perform. I am hoping to take the next class this spring, so I can have some percussive fun as well!

For anyone in Seoul who would like to visit the center - for information, a performance, or a hanbok wearing experience:

Exit 8 from Myeongdong Subway Station(Sky Blue line No.4) and then turn left at Olive young store. Walk straight about 150 meters (3 minuntes on foot) to the M Plaza building on your LEFT. The center is on the 5^th Floor.