By Honorary Reporter Dhanisa Kamila from Indonesia
Photos = Dhanisa Kamila
I received an invitation from Korea.net to attend on Oct. 9 a royal banquet at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul as part of the Fall K-Royal Culture Festival, which offers a traditional cultural experience at a stunning royal palace.
Before going to the event, all invitees visited a Hanbok rental shop to wear the traditional attire and get their hair styled. They then headed to Gyeongbokgung together.
Despite the darkness, the guests' faces glowed with excitement. The dim lights illuminated the palace courtyard amid the refreshing rustle of autumn winds. Many took photos in front of the gates in their Hanbok. Amid the bustling crowd, guards reenacted traditional guard procedures, making the night feel like a step back in time featuring the nation's rich history.
The royal banquet had activities for visitors of all ages like games such as rock, paper and scissors, caricature drawings, photo scavenger hunts, Hanbok accessory decoration and traditional music performances.
During the banquet, a royal family parade toured the palace and greeted guests. A traditional music performance under the theme "Four Seasons of Hanbok" showed the beautiful colors of traditional clothing along with musical performances. This performance highlighted how spring Hanbok uses bright and fresh colors symbolizing hope. Summer versions feature more energetic colors representing enthusiasm. Those of autumn darker tones reflecting abundance and depth, and winter editions colors evoking a calm and cold atmosphere.
The banquet, parade and the event's theme displayed the richness of tradition, highlighting the values of each season. Through the colors and moods of Hanbok, participants gained deeper understanding of Korea's cultural heritage while having a good time.
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*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.