We had breakfast in a hurry, then Ms.Mo escorted us to the bus. It was a long ride, but time flew by as I listened to my favourite music on my newly-bought air-pods which I had been saving up  for, for a while.

I was stunned by the beauty of the architecture; the stoney-brick walls, and grey, traditional Korean house-like structures. As we explored, Ms.Mo played the role of our tour guide.

"Hakssengduel, the reason we've come to this village, is to understand the traditional Korean culture, the houses, food, way of life, etc. As you can see, there are a variety of Hanoks here. Most of these were built during the Joseon Dynasty, and were relocated to this current destination.", she explained. (Students)

It's like a museum, I thought. Ms.Mo told us that some of the Hanoks used to be occupied by peasants, while others by Government officials. We could see the wide range in the different houses that displayed the financial statuses of our ancestors.

What really bugged me was that, out of 15 students, it seemed that only I and a few others were taking interest. Some were scrolling on their social media pages, while a majority were gossiping. There was one guy who was being fan-girled by some of the girls in my grade. Hmm, he seemed a little familiar, but I couldn't recognise him due to the black mask that covered most of his features.

"Feel free to take pictures, and explore the hanoks. Next, we'll be visiting the Woljeonggyo Bridge to experience a Korean-stimulated wedding. Do we have any volunteers?" Ms.Mo announced.

Many hands shot up into the air, but mine wasn't one of them. Even though I looked forward to this the most, it wasn't because I wanted to be paired up with some stranger, but instead, I was happy to watch. I wanted to get to know my Appa's side of the story, since I already knew my Omma's. Ms.Mo chose Sung Je-Ra and Nam Eun-Woo to participate. Most of us started cheering because everyone knew that Eun-Woo liked Je-Ra ever since the beginning. 

The girls trailed along with Je-Ra and the guys went with Eun-Woo to the Hanboknam to rent their Hanboks and to get ready for the "Wedding" ceremony. The staff at the Hanboknam were extremely polite, and they even started a conversation with us, but the girls were too interested in enviously watching Je-Ra put her Hanbok and accessories on. I decided that this was a good opportunity for me to get to know more about Korean weddings without getting judged by the others.

"Silyehabnida, do you mind telling me more about the traditional Korean weddings?" I asked respectfully. (Excuse me)

"Annyeonghaseyo! Sure, what would you like to know?" the woman (one of the staff members) replied. (Hello)

I didn't understand why people asked me this question. "What would you like to know?", well I really don't know, because THAT is what I'd like to know. I'd like to know what I don't already know, so how would I know what I'd like to know, if I don't even know?

"Maybe about the traditions that take place during the wedding? Or the significance of the Hanboks?" I said carefully.

"Well, lets start with Pyebaek and Paebaek. Its basically when the newlyweds pay respect to the bride's and groom's parents by bowing and offering symbolic gifts. There are many things that I could tell you in detail, but I see that you are here from your University, so you may not have enough time. I shall tell you in brief, arraseo?" she explained quickly. (Okay?)

"Algessimida!" I said. (Sure!)

"Nae, geureseo, we have the "Yedan" which is the exchanging of vows and a series of traditional rituals. During this, the couple offers liquor to the groom's parents, who also give them blessings and advice. Later, there are more rituals that are performed at the couple's new home, to ensure happiness and forever togetherness. One more thing, here, we follow the culture of "Bbali, bblai", which means "hurry, hurry", because people believe in short, efficient events," she said. (So)

"It's a bit like the Indian culture, actually. Except for the liquor part and "Bbali, bbali". You see, I'm Indian from my mother's side, so naturally I'm very familiar with the Indian culture," I said, enthusiastically. 

"Jinjjayo? Jemi-isseubnida. So you've lived in Indo?", she asked, looking interested now. (Really? thats interesting, India)

"Nae, for 17 years. My family and I moved here 3 years ago," I smiled, remembering every moment. Yes, of course it was painful to leave all my friends behind, but I had known that this would happen some day, and I had been preparing myself for it. (Yes)

"That must be fun. You're lucky, you know. Not many people get to see the world at such a young age. Anyway, it's been lovely talking to you, but I'm afraid your chinguduel are already making their way towards the Woljeonggyo Bridge," she smiled. (Friends)

"Eoh! Nae, Gamsahamnida! Thank you for your time!" I said gratefully. (Oh! Yes, Thank you) 

"Aniya, Mannaseo bangapseumnida!" she said with a chuckle. (No problem, nice to meet you!)