Q: Have you experienced Korean traditional culture during the holidays?
A: I went to a traditional event where there was a fake traditional Korean wedding. During the fake wedding, I wore a hanbok (traditional clothes) and took pictures. Also, I experienced Chuseok (thanksgiving holiday) at the Gwangju International Center and had many Korean traditional foods with some people from other countries.

Q: How does it differ from German culture?
A: On traditional holidays, usually the whole family meets, not just immediate family members, but everybody, maybe grandparents, uncles, and cousins. They all come together and then we play games or eat food together, so I think that is very similar. But the food is very different. And we have New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving Day but they are not really a family holiday, more for friends.

Q: Are there any interesting things about Korean traditional cultures?

A: I think Chuseok is the most fun because even though I don’t have family here, when I go outside the street is very empty and there are not many people outside, so I can feel that everybody is inside with their family and celebrating. So maybe that one is the most similar to the big holidays we have in Germany, where everybody also meets.

By Bae Mun-seong, Editor