This was my first trip outside Seoul. Kerry and Minji were friends I met through one of our teachers. They got married in Masan, and graciously invited me to come along. I was thrilled, as I'd never been to a Korean wedding before. I was also thrilled with the opportunity to go to the south of the peninsula and see a more relaxed port town. It was a great weekend with a lot of really fun people.
mountains on the drive down
Masan
hotel's got me totally covered
Korean weddings are usually held in the bride's home town. They are at large wedding halls that are simultaneously accommodating six or so weddings at once. The couple selects an "auditorium" by theme: pink, white, roses, etc...
The guests arrived casually, and there was a laser-like light show being projected onto the walls. The aisle was raised a few feet off the ground, had a glass surface, and was lit from within with purple twinkle lights. There were light covered trees lining the aisle, and it was fairly noisy.
When the wedding began, people continued to talk openly. A professor from a university was selected to make a speech in Korean to the couple. Two good-looking MC's (one English speaker and one Korean) narrated the ceremony from a podium next to the alter. There were a lot of spot lights and music. Once they had exchanged vows, a cake smoking with dry ice was wheeled out, and they cut it with a sword. Two glasses of champagne came later, they wrapped arms and sipped for a quick picture. Shortly after that, Kerry performed a song for Minji, all the while being jostled and yanked around by the most aggressive wedding photographers I have ever seen. Then, photos were taken immediately with the guests still in the hall. I was included in one of the group pictures. People trickled out to the buffet while we watched a few costume changes into hanbok clothing for photos.
the families
kerry and minji in hanbok
The wedding guests do not necessarily eat together or at the same time. All the weddings from that day seat themselves in a large buffet area, and leave whenever they please. It's very informal.
That night we celebrated at the hotel bar with wine and a Filipino band. The guy was super animated, and the girls had on matching gold lamay mini dresses. It was hilarious.
The next day Hosup (the Korean MC) and I went in search of agwi fish. Most cities in Korea are famous for one dish, and this was Masan's. Probably not an ideal breakfast, but it was good for a hangover. We also enjoyed stumbling upon the Agujjim Festival and markets full of... delectable treats:
me making agwi fish face.
hosup making agwi fish face
The largest market in Korea, I heard. this was obviously after the fact; I was so disappointed I missed my opportunity for pictures when it was in full force.
sea penises
roots/herbs
.......dinner? i kept trying to imagine a person stumbling upon these beasts and saying, 'oh, they look delicious~I'll take a pound and a half so we'll have leftovers.'
On that note, sugohaseyo, people.
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