Learning Traditional Etiquette from Master Hunjang...

Jongno-gu to Operate Seodang Classroom 'Doryeong's Spring' This February Winter Break... Opportunity to Receive Etiquette Education from a Teacher and Experience Minhwa, Tea Ceremony, etc. at Traditional Culture Space Mugaewon

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (District Mayor Kim Young-jong) will operate the Seodang Classroom "Doryeong's Spring" in February for children on winter vacation.

Applications will be accepted starting from the 21st.

This Seodang Classroom will be held at Mugyewon (5-ga-gil, Changuimun-ro 2), a traditional cultural space rarely accessible in daily life, adding a special touch. Participating students will start by changing into Doryeong costumes and enjoy etiquette education, folk painting, tea ceremony, and more, gaining historical knowledge and experiencing the unique traditional Seodang culture of the Korean people.

The classes will be held twice: the first session on February 19-20, and the second session on February 26-27. The time is from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

On the first day of class, students will have a session learning greetings and school etiquette from the teacher to welcome the new semester. They will also listen to historical stories related to Mugyewon and Prince Anpyeong, make a seasonal calendar learning about spring solar terms such as Ipchun and Gyeongchip, create Ipchuncheop (spring greeting cards), and draw folk paintings of the Rooster and Peony.

On the second day, students will learn about the lives of scholars through paintings and try writing brush calligraphy of "Sajaseohak" (The Four Books for Children). They will learn about Korean spring seasonal customs, participate in making Cheongmyeong flowerpots, and have the opportunity to experience traditional tea ceremonies including making Hwajeon (flower pancakes) with spring flowers and tea drinking.

Applications can be submitted online through the Jongno Cultural Foundation website (https://www.jfac.or.kr) or by phone at Mugyewon (☎379-7131~2) or the Cultural Projects Team of Jongno Cultural Foundation (☎6203-1162).

The program is open to elementary school students in grades 1 to 3, with 20 participants accepted per session on a first-come, first-served basis. The tuition fee is 50,000 KRW per session. Discounts are offered: 30% for Jongno residents, 50% for families with multiple children, recipients of National Basic Livelihood Security, and persons with disabilities, and 5% for Eco Mileage cardholders. Discount recipients must bring proof documents and identification on the first day of class.

Mayor Kim Young-jong said, "I hope children on vacation will learn traditional etiquette directly from the teacher at the traditional cultural space Mugyewon and participate in various experiential programs to create unforgettable memories." He added, "We will also prepare diverse traditional cultural programs for youth and adults to take the lead in promoting the proud unique culture of our nation."

Opened in March 2014 in Buam-dong, the traditional cultural space Mugyewon hosts hanok experiences and various traditional cultural events, receiving much love from residents.

The Mugyejeongsa site where Mugyewon is located is a historic place said to resemble the Peach Blossom Spring dreamed by Prince Anpyeong, inspiring the painter An Gyeon to create the "Dream Journey to the Peach Blossom Land" painting in three days. The prince also built a pavilion there to compose poetry and practice archery.

Additionally, the gate, roof tiles, rafters, and pillars of Mugyewon were made using materials from Ojinam, Seoul’s first registered restaurant located in Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, adding further significance.