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Edited by Jenny Na (jenny@groovekorea.com) COMMuNITY www.groovekorea.com / March 2014 86 M arch is here, and with that comes melting snow, the first sight of cherry blossoms and, of course, St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re celebrating your first St. Patrick’s Day in Korea and are afraid of missing at-home traditions, have no fear: Seoul’s annual Irish festival is sure to knock your green socks off. On March 15 at noon, a plethora of festivities put on by the Irish Association of Korea will kick off at Sindorim D-Cube Plaza for an expected 8,000 rev- elers. Make sure that you, your children and your pets are decked out in your best green and orange attire, because all of you are qualified to compete in the cos- tume competition with a grand prize of 200,000 won. Additionally, raffle tickets will be sold during the day for a number of items, including round-trip tickets to Ireland on Etihad Airways. “This year, we hope to bring some of the best Irish talent in Korea out to perform and showcase their talents,” says association chair Shauna Browne. “St. Patrick’s Day is a day for the Irish and it would be great to see all the Irish living here in Korea coming out to enjoy the day. It is also a great opportunity to learn more about Ireland and Irish culture, so we en- courage Koreans and people from all nations to come along and enjoy this wonderful event.” Children and children at heart can take advantage of the face painting, bubble machine and balloons, as well as a workshop in drawing. There will also be areas to learn traditional Irish dances and sports, plus locations where Irish artwork will be on display. James Seymour, an Irish comic book artist who has lived in Korea for five years, plans to exhibit drawings and other artworks inspired by his home country. He will also be drawing on the day of the event. “My ex- pectations for the festival are for it to be a fun and entertaining event showcasing the rich arts and cul- ture that Ireland has to offer,” he says, adding that he wants it to be “enjoyable for all age groups and families.” The band Boxty Rebellion, Irish dance group Tap Pung, singer Dara Sheahan and more are set to liven up the main stage, and you can even try your hand at ceili, Irish group dancing. With walk-through instruc- tions, even the most inexperienced dancer can be tapping their toes in no time. Nanah McGleenon, a theater director and choreo- grapher who will create a Korean-Irish fusion dance work for the festival, says she is excited to show- case her cross-cultural creation, which incorporates the sounds of Irish hard-shoe taps and Korean drum- sticks. Having lived in both Korea and Ireland, McGleenon is a proponent of cross-cultural connections. She hopes this mentality will shine through in her choreog- raphy. “I hope all people will become friends and un- derstand that all cultures and nations can bring peace together when they watch this show,” she says. Following the daytime events, an annual hooley, or Irish party, complete with live music, will take place at Rocky Mountain Tavern in Itaewon, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets will be 10,000 won and sold at the door. Whether you are 10 or 110, the St. Patrick’s Day Festival has something exciting for you. So come out, soak up the culture and experience a full day of festi- val fun. Éirinn go Brách! Story by Bri Altier / Photos by Michele Farley Get lucky Seoul’s annual Irish festival will knock your green socks off ‘This year, we hope to bring some of the best Irish talent in Korea out to perform and showcase their talents.’ Shauna Browne, Irish Association of Korea chair
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