Must-do this April

By Fanny

Coming up: a list of amazing and awesome events right here in Seoul! As students settle back into their school routines, weekends are the time to go out on adventures. As an exchange student myself, I want to explore and discover Seoul while I am here. So here are a few activities completely worth the experience!

Seoul Bamdokkaebi night market

First and most awaited, is the Seoul Bamdokkaebi night market. It will officially open March 30^th and will be there until October 28^th.  It is located in Yeouido Hangang Park, on Yeouido island (Yeouido station, line 5 and 9). They also have 3 more markets similar to this one: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station), Cheonggyechon (Gwanghamun station) and Banpo Hangang Park (Express Bus terminal station). This night market is only open Friday and Saturday, from 17:00 to 23:00 and also hosts performances. There is no entrance fee and you can enjoy a diversity of street food while shopping in the handmade goods stands. They also prepare performances and cultural events for the crowd.

www.bamdokkaebi.org

Art exhibitions

For those arts lovers out there, many exhibitions are going on at this time. There is The Masterpiece at the Seoul Museum until June 10^th, 2018, where 7 known modern artists show their artwork (entrance fee- 7,000 won for students).  Also, Drawn by the Wind, Joseon-theme media art at the Design Museum in Dongdaemun Design Plaza until May 24^th 2018, features art from major artists of that dynasty (entrance fee of 8,000 won). Another one is Hi! Pop art exhibition featuring 5 of the best artist of pop art at the M contemporary center until April 15^th, 2018 (12,000won entrance fee for students). An important thing to remember is that museums are usually closed on Mondays.

Namsagol Hanok Village

For a cultural experience, Namsangol Hanok village offers an immersive program for visitors, which contains cultural events and activities  (tea ceremony, wear the Hanbok, play Ddakji- Korean game, etc.).  This is happening until June 30^th 2018, operate from 10:30- 17:00 and the fee will vary according to the activity. Here is the website for those interested: https://www.hanokmaeul.or.kr/

Buddhism Expo

At the Seoul Trade Exhibition and Convention will be held the Seoul International Buddhism Expo 2018 from March 29^th to April 1^st. There will be exhibition on Buddhism craftworks, architecture, food with rituals on display and a strong emphasis on traditional clothes like hanbok. The entrance fee is 5,000 won and hours of operation are from 10:00 to 18:00.  Website: http://en.bexpo.kr/

Cherry Blossom Festival

Yeouido will also have a Spring flower festival held from April 7^th to April 12^th, taking place at the Yeouiseo-ro.  The opening ceremony of the festival will be at 19:00 on the 7^th. The festival offers art and photo exhibitions and activities for visitor to participate in such as making craft, calligraphy and more. This is one of the best events for those wanting amazing pictures of the cherry blossoms. Here is the official website for more information: http://www.ydp.go.kr/english/page.do?mCode=D010000000

Another great event for cherry blossoms sightseeing is the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, which will be held from April 5^th to April 13^th. There will be different roads of cherry blossoms with all different themes such as Illumination Road, Picnic road and more. For more places, read our HUBS article on it!