Hangeul Day – 09 October 2013

To celebrate the origins of the Korean language (Hangeul), Korea celebrates a national holiday on 09 October each year, known as “Hangeul” day. Since it was a day off from school, we ventured out with friends.

We drove into Dangjin for brunch and ended up at Lunar Rich (loo-nah-lee-chee), an Italian style restaurant opposite from the Art and Culture Centre. A delicious meal (we had the lunch set) with salad, pizza, pasta and coffee or cola.  A lovely ‘authentic’ Italian meal was a nice surprise from the usual ‘Kor-talian’ options that are usually available at these “Italian” restaurants.

We then headed off to the seaside village of Sapgyoho (only 20 minutes from Dangjin), to find the new circus being advertised.  The new building (which can be seen from the expressway) resembles a circus tent both on the outside and the inside.  It is not the ‘travelling’ circus concept we were used to from South Africa, but in fact, a troupe of Chinese acrobats that have apparently committed to performing at this venue for the foreseeable future.  It opened on 03 October 2013.

After the first act, we were both thinking this was more of an amateur show. However, by the end of the 90 minute performance we were absolutely stunned by the talent and professional, jaw-dropping routines of the young acrobats. Truly, the most amazing performance of acrobatic feats and fearless commitment to excellence I’ve ever seen.  Contortionists, swan dance acrobatics and so many other fascinating routines kept us rivetted throughout the show.

Head on over to the show (13.30, 16.30, 19.30 – every day) – it’s easy to get to Sapgyoho (by bus) from Dangjin.