the year of the rat

welcome to the year of the rat. my dad was born in the year of the rat, and it seems exquisitely fitting that it will be during his chinese zodiac year, that he returns to visit korea, for the first time since he left, some 24 years ago. my family will visit in may, and i am already itching with excitement to see them, to see how my dad reacts to seeing korea, his family and friends after such a long time!

lunar new year was celebrated on february 7th and this is probably the biggest national holiday in korea, next to chusok, thanksgiving. i had three days off in a row--holy sweetness!--and i took advantage by visiting relatives outside of seoul. i rode the bus to yoeju, my dad's hometown, with friends of the family, eun eh and her mother. the bus terminal was packed with others ready to return home for the holiday, it was bustling and overwhelming!

yoeju, is a town that is known for it's ceramics and rice. their mascot is actually a grain of rice! on lunar day, i met with my dad's side of the family, my great uncle and my cousins once removed. it was a really nice time. i was nervous because of the language barrier, but, with hand motions and writing down numbers, communication: success! i visited with my dad's side of the family and also close family friends. it was nice to veg out, relax, watch movies, and eat, eat, eat!

mandu: dumplings filled with kimchi and meat:


eun eh and her grandmother making the mandu:


my great uncle and his family: 4 sons (-one son who is taking the photo + one wife and their child), his wife (in pink!) on lunar day:


food! yummers!


playing yut, a traditional new year holiday game:


at king sejong's palace:




eun-eh, aiming for the bucket:
(this is also a traditional korean lunar new year game.)