Seasonal Reflections

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Seasonal Reflection: Autumn in Korea

By Kim Young-Hoon

Some say autumn in Korea is "chungomabi" which means high, blue skies and when horses fatten. Autumn is Korea's best season to enjoy the weather and it lasts from September through November. The color of the mountains turns red with fallen leaves. The viewer's face is touched by soft wind and smooth sunshine. A variety of activities abound and include a field day, service for harvest, and excursion for viewing autumnal foliage. Firstly, young students have a field day in school. Family members are always invited to the field day where all can participate in sports such as relay races. Students and their family have a fun and eat together.

Secondly, college students go to a rural place to help harvest. Farmers are so busy that they cannot gather in a harvest by themselves. So, college students usually help them harvest during a special week set aside for this purpose. They learn the value of labor and of food through their work during harvest season.

Thirdly, elderly people usually go on an excursion for viewing autumnal color. They usually go to Sollak, a mountain located in the east of Korea. Nowadays, people can go to Keumgang, a mountain located in North Korea.

September also is the Martyrs' memorial month and October is the Rosary month. People go on a pilgrimage to the place where Korean Martyrs were persecuted and killed. They remember how their ancestors kept faith even through severe persecution. Also, they pray the Rosary to learn some lessons from Korean Martyrs. (Editor's note: The Korean Martyrs numbered at least 8,000 Roman Catholics who were persecuted during the 19th century in Korea. Members of this group were canonized en masse in 1984 and their feast day is Sept. 20)

So, Koreans approach God by pilgrimage and Rosary prayer during autumn. Nowadays, many Sogang University students participate in retreat for the purpose of reflection organized by Jesuit vocation office.

Most of all, autumn in Korea represents a thanks-giving day. It is on the 15th of August, a full moon day according to the lunar calendar. People get together and visit the graves of their ancestors. Generally, people eat special foods such as boiled rice, rice cake and rice wine. Also, people wear traditional Korean dress and bow to elderly people.

Autumn in Korea is the best season to experience the attractiveness of Korea. In these activities, people enjoy the beauty of nature and have fun.

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