The Art of Union: Traditional Korean Wedding Workshops at the King Sejong Institute in Poznań
2024-07-29A wedding is one of the most important events in a person's life, marking the official union of two individuals in the presence of family, friends, and the larger community. This significant occasion is often celebrated through ceremonies that reflect the rich traditions, religions, and customs of a particular region. On July 22, the King Sejong Institute in Poznań hosted a unique workshop that delved into the wedding customs of Korea. This event offered participants a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves in and explore the rich cultural significance of Korean wedding traditions.
The traditional meaning of marriage in Korea
The history of Korean wedding traditions dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled from 1392 to 1910. Marriage has a deeply rooted meaning for Koreans that goes beyond just the personal connection of two people. Traditionally, a man and a woman unite not only as a couple, but also as a new family unit, responsible for organizing the ancestral ritual (jesa) and providing an heir who will continue the family line. In this way, marriage is seen as a family matter, not just an individual matter.
Traditional wedding clothes
Traditional wedding clothes in Korea has deep cultural significance. The groom wears a blue gown with a round collar, a black hat, and a pair of black shoes. The bride wears a red gown with long sleeves. She also wears a large hairpin - binyeo and a red ribbon called daenggi. On the top of her head, she wears a crown called jokduri. She also wears beautiful shoes with flower patterns and red marks on her face. These are called yeonjigonji, and their red color is meant to protect her from bad spirits. The groom’s gown has its origins in the uniform worn by noble officers in the Joseon period, while the bride’s gown reflects the frock worn by princesses. This tradition allows everyone the opportunity to experience the elegance and significance of these historical costumes at least once in their lifetimes.
Traditions of Korean Wedding Ceremony
Korean wedding ceremonies are rich with symbolism and tradition. The Jeonan-rye involves the groom presenting a wild goose (often wooden) to the bride's family, representing fidelity, and placing it on a table facing East to vow lifelong unity. The bride's mother then carries the ritual table, concluding this part of the ceremony. In the Gyobae-rye, the bride and groom meet for the first time, bow to each other, and then to their parents to declare their marriage. The bride performs two bows, representing Yin energy, while the groom performs one, symbolizing Yang energy. Finally, during the Hapgeun-rye, the couple drinks from a shared gourd cup three times: the first to honor ancestors, the second for themselves, and the third to symbolize their unification, before bowing and sitting down together.
Let’s try on traditional Korean wedding clothes – practical part of the workshops
After listening to an enlightening lecture on the rich history and profound symbolism of traditional Korean weddings, we were given the opportunity to watch a video depicting a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. This visual journey provided us with a deeper understanding of the customs and rituals involved. This session was not only engaging but also educational, as it involved a detailed demonstration on how to properly wear these exquisite garments. The experience of wearing the Hanbok was both surreal and enchanting, as it allowed us to connect with the cultural heritage on a more personal level.
This activity, coupled with our short performances reminiscent of scenes from popular K-dramas, made the experience feel authentic and immersive. To my utter surprise, I found myself coming back from those classes not just with a wealth of knowledge and a memorable experience, but also married. Participants left classes with a deeper appreciation for Korean culture and its timeless wedding traditions, having not only learned about but also lived a piece of Korea's rich heritage.
Overall, the workshop at the King Sejong Institute was a profoundly enriching experience, offering participants an immersive glimpse into the beauty and complexity of Korean wedding traditions. It successfully combined theoretical knowledge with practical application, leaving attendees with a deep appreciation for this aspect of Korean culture.
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