Downtime of Joseon Dynasty Scholars Reenacted

Reenactments of how "seonbi", or scholars during the Joseon Dynasty, enjoyed their free time were held in Damyang, South Jeolla Province.

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The reenactments were based on depictions of the seonbi carved into wood blocks during the dynasty.

The seonbi often sat on rocks in a valley and enjoy sliced fish. On dog days, they washed their feet in the flowing water and enjoyed nature while downing alcoholic beverages and food.

They recited poetry, did calligraphy, and drew pictures of peonies. During fall, they sat in pavilions and enjoyed poetry, writing and drawing pictures to the sound of wind instruments which added to the ambience.

Pavilions, which were places of rest in the past, were areas of entertainment and debates for the seonbi. They drank tea and discussed literature, history and philosophy.

The setting for the reenactments in Damyang is the region that gave rise to "gasa" literature and was the hometown of historical figure Jeong Cheol.

The Gwangju Cultural Foundation in South Jeolla Province plans to use the reenactment to draw tourists.