On Saturday, February 10, the Institute of Korean Studies, along with the East Asian Studies Center, Chinese Flagship Program, National Taiwan University HAYU BEST Program, and the Bloomington Sejong Institute held the Year of the Dragon Celebration in honor of the 2024 Lunar New Year. The celebration went from 12 pm to 2 pm and included various cultural activities, free food, and a prize raffle.
During the event, attendees learned how to play the traditional board game Yutnori, 윷놀이 in Hangeul, which is often played during special holidays like the Lunar New Year or as it’s known in Korea, Seollal. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn how to fold traditional Korean clothing (hanbok) out of paper. Traditional Chinese activities such as Mahjong and New Year scroll writing were available alongside these Korean activities.
Following the activities, it was time for food to be served. The Korean food was provided by local Bloomington restaurant K-Bap, with options such as Tteokbokki, Mandu, and Kimbap available. Chinese food options were also available.
While attendees were eating their food, speakers from HLS, the Chinese Flagship, and IKS welcomed guests and gave brief cultural backgrounds on the event. IKS director, Seung-kyung Kim, introduced Seollal and the unique traditions that come with it.
Speeches were swiftly followed by the prize raffle, where five attendees had the opportunity to win various merchandise from the organizations hosting the event. The Bloomington Sejong Institute provided the prizes for IKS, a tote bag, and a t-shirt.
All in all, the event was a success. There were around 300 attendees, all there to ring in the Lunar New Year. As we welcome 2024, IKS is looking forward to another year of successful events full of new and familiar faces. We hope to see you there! 새해 복 많이 받으세요!
Elena Bonitz
MA in East Asian Studies (Korean Studies)
Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures
Program Assistant
Institute for Korean Studies
Indiana University Bloomington