Emily
Butler
Studied
in Seoul, South Korea, Summer 2012
These friendly faces greet
visitors as they walk into the Yongin Folk Village in South Korea. These totems
used to be found in villages all over the peninsula. Originally, they were made
to confuse evil spirits and prevent them from attacking and causing misfortune
for the real villagers. The folk village is part Renaissance fair, part theme
park, and part history museum. Think Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia here in
the U.S. Employees and volunteers of all
ages come together to showcase the varied, traditional culture of Korea. There
are houses and out buildings from all different regions and across old class
divisions that have been brought to this tiny park to be preserved and enjoyed
by Koreans and foreigners alike. There are also traditional games and shows
like acrobats and musicians that perform throughout the park. It was so much
fun wandering through the village and getting my first taste of traditional
Korean culture. For me these smiling faces represent the wonderful spirit of
the people I met during my stay in Korea. Everyone from my RA to my roommate to
the shopkeeper in the subway was so welcoming and kind to a little, lost American
girl. Smiles, even wooden ones, are
universal