The 11th annual event highlights Korean culture and lifestyles with folk dancing, Korean cooking, brush calligraphy, Tae Kwon Do, singing lessons, a talent show, games, Korean drawing, and traditional Korean customs takes place on Saturday, September 23, at the First Presbyterian Church in Plainsboro. The free event will be held rain or shine.
Je Phil Ryoo of West Windsor has been coordinating the event for four years. A pharmaceutical researcher with a doctorate from Rutgers University, he lived in Edison 15 years ago, returned to Korea, and moved to West Windsor five years ago. His wife, Wonpa Ryoo, is also on the event committee. Their son, David, 17, is a senior at High School South, and their daughter, Sharon, 14, is an eighth grade student at Grover Middle School. Both members of the dance troupe, Sharon will be performing at the event.
“This year there are more Korean dances including Hwa Gwan Mu (crown dance), Bu Chae Chum (fan dance), Kal Chum (sword dance), Sa Mul No Ri (harvest dance), and Jan Go Chum (drum dance),” says Ryoo. The dances are presented by the Princeton Korean Dance Troupe led by Kiran Pack, a former West Windsor resident who now lives in Lawrenceville. The group performs in Princeton, New Brunswick, Trenton, and every year in the Plainsboro Founder’s Day parade.
“We want to introduce the culture to families, especially for children adopted from Korea,” Ryoo says. “It is a unique and interactive event with lessons on how to dance, play games, and cook Korean food.”
Korean cultural information and posters were donated by the Korean consulate and the Korean Culture Service Library. Typical Korean food to be presented includes kimchi, a spicy vegetable dish; bu chim gae, Korean pancakes; bulgogi, with marinated beef; and chapche, a vegetable and noodle dish.
Tae Kwon Do masters from World K-M Tae Kwon Do of Lawrenceville will teach the motions to young children. Brush calligraphy lessons include teaching children how to write their name with Korean letters. The program also includes a sing along of Korean and American children’s songs and a talent show.
“We strive to make this event more meaningful for your chidren and enjoyable for your family,” writes Susan Gimm, chair of the event, in the program. “We welcome your suggestions and comments not only for this event, but also for your concerns as parents raising a chid who comes from one culture and lives in another.”
Korean Culturefest, Princeton Korean Presbyterian Church, 500 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, 609-919-1344. Saturday, September 23, Noon to 4 p.m.
