Pleased New 12 months! 2024 is the 12 months of the Dragon, the blue dragon or wooden dragon to be exact. The dragon is the one legendary creature among the many twelve zodiac indicators and is an emblem of power, prosperity, and success. In Korean, this yr is known as “Gapjin” (갑진) and if you wish to have fun the 12 months of the Dragon in Korea, there are a selection of issues you are able to do.

So, what does the 12 months of the Dragon imply? And, how are you going to have fun the 12 months of the Dragon in Korea? Right here’s what you should know…

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The Dragon in Korean Folks Tales

The dragon, generally known as yong (용), or ryong in Korean, has influenced numerous folklore, people religions, and legends in Korea. In contrast to in European mythology the place the dragon is commonly related to fireplace and destruction, in Korean lore, dragons are benevolent beings associated to water and agriculture they usually’re typically thought-about the bringers of rain. Thus, you typically hear about dragons residing in ponds, lakes, and oceans in Korea.

They had been initially imugis (이무기), or lesser dragons, who resembled gigantic serpents who aspired to be full-fledged dragons, which they might solely turn out to be by catching a Yeouiju which had fallen from heaven. In one other model, they might turn out to be dragons as soon as they survived for 1000 years. In each legends, they’re enormous, benevolent, and just like pythons that reside in caves and in water and to see one was thought-about good luck.

There’s a Korean story that involves thoughts when considering of dragons and that’s the story of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC – AD 935), one of many world’s longest dynasties FYI.

Within the top of the Silla Kingdom’s energy, in the course of the rule of its forty ninth monarch, King Heon-gang, a legend unfolds as narrated within the “Samguk Yusa,” a compilation of historic and folklore accounts. This story begins with King Heongang’s encounter with the Blue Dragon of the East Sea throughout a beachside stroll close to present-day Ulsan. Ominous climate rolled in out of the blue and one of many King’s prophets interpreted it as a warning from the dragon to keep away from malevolence.

Appearing promptly, King Heongang ordered the development of a temple to honor the dragon and as quickly as he did, the skies cleared and the Dragon of the East Sea appeared along with his seven sons. Collectively, they carried out a mesmerizing dance and on the finish, in gratitude, the dragon provided one among his sons, Cheoyong, to help King Heongang within the palace.

Cheoyong, recognized for his abilities and allure, was married to a surprising girl of the courtroom, drawing envy and need from others. Amongst them was Yeoksin, the God of Illness, who used his magic to bewitch Cheoyong’s spouse. Upon discovering this, Cheoyong responded not with violence however with a fascinating dance and music, which captivated after which humbled Yeoksin. Yeoksin vowed by no means to bother Cheoyong once more and promised to keep away from anywhere adorned with Cheoyong’s picture.

This occasion impressed the individuals of Silla to color Cheoyong’s picture on their doorways and faces to repel evil. The “Cheoyongga,” or the “Track of Cheoyong,” and numerous conventional masks had been created in homage to Cheoyong’s peaceable but highly effective response, symbolizing the cultural significance of artwork over aggression.

What Will The 12 months Of The Dragon Deliver

Thought of a fortunate yr, particularly for childbirth, this yr is claimed to deliver unprecedented alternatives. It is best to attempt to harness your intelligence, management, and go after your entire goals with creativity, ardour, braveness, and confidence. It’s a yr of vitality and competitiveness.

Do you know: In Korea, for those who dream of a dragon, it’s customary for individuals to purchase lottery tickets.

How To Have fun

The Nationwide Folks Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관)

The museum which sits on the grounds of Gyeongbukgung Palace is holding an exhibit centered on the 12 months of the Dragon appropriately. The museum hosts occasions and enjoyable within the grounds out entrance yearly and is a beautiful place to find out about historical past and tradition. After ending up there, head throughout the road to the Museum of Trendy & Modern Artwork.

• Tackle: 30 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu (서울 종로구 삼청로 37)
• Hours: 9:00AM – 5:00PM; occasions exterior begin from 11:00AM and run till 4:00PM* Observe, the museum is closed on Seollal day, however open on the times surrounding it.
• Admission: Free; some occasions value a small payment to partake
• Facilities: Strollers and wheelchairs can be found freed from cost, audio guides accessible for W1,000

Nationwide Theater of Korea (국립극장)

The Nationwide Theater of Korea opened in 1950 as the primary nationwide theater in Asia. It’s the solely theater that produces performances that combine conventional and up to date arts, and has 4 theater levels of various dimension.

This yr, the Nationwide Theater of Korea is internet hosting 《Pageant》 from February seventh till the eleventh, a particular vacation manufacturing that signifies the meanings of welcoming spirits, entertaining spirits, and bidding farewell to spirits, whereas wishing for the dispelling of misfortune by way of dignified conventional dances. Notably in celebration of the 12 months of the Blue Dragon, new works reimagined with extra intense and highly effective female and male group dances are anticipated to debut, creating anticipation among the many viewers.

• Tackle: 59 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 장충단로 59)
• E-book tickets on their web site: https://notok.go.kr

The Nationwide Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)

The Nationwide Museum of Korea is incredible and FREE! If you wish to have a enjoyable scavenger-hunt like expertise discovering dragons in historic work and prints, head right here. The gathering will not be solely superb and would take days to see totally, however there may be loads of alternative to study and actually see how dragons had been represented in historic works.

• Tackle: 137 Seobinggo-ro Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea (서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가))
• By Subway: Ichon Subway Station exit 2 OR bus #502
• Admission: Free, particular displays are charged individually
• Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; Wednesday, Saturday: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm; Sunday, Nationwide Holidays: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
  • Closed: New 12 months’s Day (January 1), Seollal (Lunar New 12 months’s Day), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) / Everlasting Exhibition Corridor closed: First Monday of each April and November yearly

See What Awaits You In 2024 With A Saju Studying

Fortune telling is a reasonably in style pastime for a lot of in Korea. A type of leisure, but in addition a information for a lot of life selections, having a Saju studying is an particularly in style expertise between December and February as individuals look to the brand new yr. Saju is a observe that analyzes the cosmic power on the hour, day, and yr of an individual’s dying. You’ll need to go together with somebody who can assist translate for those who don’t converse Korean and need to perceive absolutely, although there’s a saju cafe in Hongdae that provides English translation providers.

Jaeminan Jogakga (재미난조각가 타로&사주출장소)

• Tackle: 26 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 와우산로21길 26 1층)
• Hours: Day by day: 12:00pm ~ 2:00am
• Web site: http://www.funnysaju.com/

Play Yutnori

One other strategy to inform your future is to play the standard Korean recreation generally known as yutnori. The sport truly began out as a type of fortune telling to see whether or not the brand new yr would deliver a couple of good harvest or not. Every area on the board has a unique identify and symbolizes going by way of the seasons.

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