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     Autumn in Korea is a beautiful time and we have a remarkable tour planned to celebrate it.  We will travel throughout Korea meeting their Human Cultural Treasures and other outstanding artists.  This in itself is a remarkable opportunity as some of these visits are by special invitation.

                                                         Since it is autumn, we will visit

                                                               one of   Korea’s truly        

                                                                remarkable events - The

                                                             Andong International Mask

                                                                  Festival.   The Andong

                                                             International Mask Dance

                                                           Festival brings together mask

                                                               dancers from throughout

                                                                 Korea with international

                                                            mask dancers in an event

                                                                       many call “the most 

                                                              memorable, fascinating

                                                  and fun time to be held in Korea.”

   Mask dances were a way for ordinary people to express their views of society and poke fun at the establishment.  During the 10-day festival, diverse performances will be held every day to entertain visitors.   The programs consist of Korean and international mask dance performances as well as modern performances, mime and marionette performances.

Performances will be held both at the Andong Gangbyeon Festival Grounds and inside Hahoe Village.  Hahoe Village is a remarkable place to visit.  Residence of this village preserve the ancient traditions of village life by living in homes as they were during the Chosen Dynasty.  Among the many traditions they preserve is the carving of the Hahoe Byeongsan Mask reputedly the oldest type mask in Korea. 

Watch the slide show of the Andong International Mask Festival.

You will also witness OEUK 2009, Korea’s first onggi festival.  If it is anything like other  Korean festivals, it will be spectacular.

Thirty years ago, we thought that onggi  was about to disappear.  The word was that all of the remaining onggi potters were in their 60’s and young people didn’t want to learn the onggi processes. 

Refrigerators, plastic and glass containers seemed to replace the onggi jar used for the storage of may foods.   Many onggi studios did close but a very remarkable thing occurred.  Young artists wanted to learn and onggi family members did not want to see it disappear after thousands of years of unbroken history.  Korea may not have the hundreds of onggi studios we found thirty years ago but onggi is alive and well in Korea and promises to stay.  Besides, Koreans discovered that a good onggi jar is much better for storing many of their foods than are the “modern methods”.   At OEUK 2009 you will witness Korean history in action.

Antiquing in Asia is a wonderful adventure and there is much to see and great places to explore.  Korea has great spots in Seoul and we also like to find antiques and collectibles in the outlying cities where you can find great bargains.  Hong Kong has wonderful haunts as well and the opportunity to find and collect authentic Chinese antiques.  Shanghai has wonderful collectables you can still export.  However, antiquing in Asia is not without its problems.  Korea, with many reputable dealers still has a limit on what antiques can be exported and it is possible to be fooled with reproductions.  China also has many reputable dealers but a severe limit on exporting antiques over 50 years old and there are many fakes and reproductions.  Hong Kong shares these burdens but you can still purchase and have exported authentic Chinese antiques from Hong Kong.    But isn’t this the same burden we have in our own countries when searching for antiques?  The search for authenticity and quality is part of the art and joy of antiquing.  Are you up to the challenge?  Do you enjoy Asian arts and culture?   Join one of our wonderful tours.