On April 20th, I had a chance to help organize a Korean-themed event at Warsaw University of Medicine, called “Dance & Play”. The event was a part of a project called WUM x Diversity. As one of the most famous universities in Warsaw, it gathers students from all around the world. Last year, those students came up with an idea to introduce each-others cultures with an aim to break barriers between them. And this year again, Korea received its spotlight!
The opening of the day was a short presentation about Korea - and to hold this presentation was my duty! Though I was quite stressed, as I had a long break since presenting last time, I think I managed to introduce basic information well to the listeners. It always is a pleasure of mine to be able to share my knowledge and passion for Korea with other people, especially, when I see curiosity on their faces and can answer their questions about culture and the country.
Right after my presentation, with the whole group, we moved to another building for the main attraction of the day - workshops of buchae-chum, Korean fan dance. The workshops were done by the Hae-eo-hwa dance group from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, made of Korean philology students, and at the same time - my good friends. The workshop started with a quick introduction on what buchae-chum is, what dancers wear and use while dancing. Next, participants learned how to properly hold their fans, open them and fold. Even though I was part of the staff, I couldn’t stop myself from trying to learn it too. I must say, it is a lot more difficult, that it seems! The grip must be firm and elastic at the same time, which was very hard to achieve and required quite a lot of practice. Even then, still opening the fan fluently was not an easy task, but my friends made it look so effortless! Next, participants learned basic moves, like butterfly movements, eights, or even making a wave with a whole group. Everyone, including me, had a lot of fun while practicing and just playing around with friends. The best evidence of people's engagement in workshops were pink feathers that fell out of the fans, lying around on the floor.
At the end, participants could relax playing traditional Korean games, like yutnori, ttakji or tuho. Or try hangeul calligraphy, do hanbok origami or paint a mask to their liking. During this part, we all could just take a breath and enjoy each other's company, while talking and playing various games. It definitely was a great finish for the event, especially that everyone received a little package with sweet gifts inside.
Even though the weather on that day wasn't the best, and heavy rain prevented quite a few people from coming to the event, I think that overall it turned out very good and a more cameral event made it possible for everyone to integrate more, making a more friendly moo
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