Seoul Bukchon Cultural Center Operates Non-Face-to-Face Lunar New Year 'Sehwa Experience'

On the 8th, 'Sehwa Experience Package' Sent for Lunar New Year Seasonal Event

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Bukchon Cultural Center in Seoul announced on the 8th that it will operate a non-face-to-face program called ‘Sehwa (歲畵) Experience’ to celebrate the Year of the Ox (辛丑年) Lunar New Year. Sehwa refers to paintings depicting animals, figures, or characters that bless the new year and ward off disasters. These paintings were traditionally exchanged on New Year's Day with wishes for luck and health throughout the year.

To experience the traditional customs of the Lunar New Year, the Bukchon Cultural Center will send out ‘Sehwa Experience Kits’ that allow participants to create their own character painting called ‘Ubo Cheonri (牛步千里, walking a thousand miles with ox steps).’ This experience kit was produced in collaboration with the Bukchon Cultural Center’s citizen autonomous lecture character painting instructor.

Applications for the experience kits can be submitted through the Seoul Hanok Portal website, Bukchon Cultural Center’s social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook until 6 p.m. on the 8th. The kits will be mailed to 100 people selected by lottery. For inquiries, contact the Bukchon Cultural Center.

Meanwhile, following the government’s adjustment of social distancing measures, Seoul’s public hanoks, including the Bukchon Cultural Center, reopened on January 20. This reopening is limited to simple viewing under compliance with quarantine rules, and on-site and face-to-face programs will resume later considering quarantine conditions. Since regular and holiday closures vary by facility, prior confirmation is required before visiting.

Ryu Hoon, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Urban Regeneration Office, said, “It is true that our daily lives remain difficult due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic beyond the year.” He added, “In the Year of the Ox, I hope this Lunar New Year will be a hopeful holiday where we move forward steadfastly like an ox to restore our daily lives.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.