Traditional Wedding

Last Saturday was a special occasion. Two teachers from my hagwon (separate branches) got married. Yet, this was no typical westernized ceremony. This was the full-on Korean experience – taking place in a traditional Korean village. As much as it was traditional – it had a unique touch.

Instead of being contained to a wedding hall – the service was open to the public. In fact, the village routinely has wedding ceremonies – twice a day. However, if a couple is willing – they can have the village staff assist them in an actual ceremony. So, the couple doesn’t have to pay for any hall fees – but they do have to pay for tickets for everyone into the village. The village then gets its needs met too.

I think it’s a pretty cool idea – a little clever even. I should lie a bit of groundwork though. This marriage was between Zoë teacher and Josh teacher. Zoë is ethnically Korean but spent most of her life in Germany – as that’s where her parents are situated. Zoë also teaches at my branch – Suji. Josh is originally from Chicago and teaches in Sunae. Both are JLS teachers. The funny thing is – before coming to Korea – they lived together in Vancouver! The world is always so small…



I traveled to the wedding with Lucy teacher (another Korean teacher from my branch) and we showed up just in time. Other teachers were not so lucky. When we arrived, it was already busy – with people jostling for a place to sit. It was also a hot day. I would say that a lot of the people observing the ceremony were tourists – but that added to the international aspect of everything. Once the show started – people were instantly drawn in – myself included. There was a certain grace and respectfulness during the whole process. Bowing seems so much more humbling than exchanging rings.

As far as I can remember, most of the procedure consisted of bowing and drinking traditional Korean alcohols. Apparently, it was all real too! The conclusion of the show was rather special though. Josh mounted a white horse while Zoë was carried in a colourful box in a short parade around the village. It truly was the icing on the cake at that point!

After the ceremony, we wandered around the village a bit. It was fairly large – with much to see. I wouldn’t mind coming back there another time to explore further. We ate some traditional Korean dishes together at the reception after the wedding – and then meandered home. I was happy I made the effort to make it out. Everything started at 12 – and for English teachers – that’s early. It was a beautiful day too. Hope you enjoy the pictures! (Thanks to Lucy for some the pictures too!)

-Paul