Holding a camera in one hand and demonstrating poses for tourists with the other, Wu Quanji, a muscular Korean boy, showed gentleness and grace in his demonstration movements. The tourists were amused and laughed, saying that the photographer's posture was more charming than that of girls.
Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province is the only Korean autonomous prefecture in China and the largest Korean-inhabited area in the country. It is known as the "hometown of etiquette" and "hometown of singing and dancing". It has a rich ethnic culture and is a popular tourist destination.
The reporter recently visited the Chinese Korean Folk Garden in Yanji City, the capital of Yanbian Prefecture, and saw that the bustling park resembled a filming set for a costume film and television drama. In the park, with nine century-old houses that were relocated and rebuilt from ancient border villages as the background, there was an endless stream of tourists wearing various Korean costumes taking photos, and the photographers were very busy.
Tourists wearing Korean costumes visit the China Korean Folk Park. Photo by Gao Longan
In recent years, Korean costumes with bright colors and unique styles have become popular among young people, especially women. "For girls who love taking pictures, it would be a pity not to experience Korean costumes and dress up as the 'Princess of Yanji' once when they come to Yanji," Wu Quanji said.
Wu Quanji is good at taking portraits. Compared with ordinary travel portraits, portraits pay more attention to capturing the appearance and spiritual temperament of the person.
While doing makeup for customers, he explained the meaning behind each set of movements and clothing. In his view, he is not only a photographer, but also a disseminator of Korean culture. A photo carries the beautiful moments of tourists and is also a carrier of Korean culture. A good set of works not only pursues beautiful pictures, but also highlights the characteristics of the characters and carries the cultural connotation of "home".
In the Korean traditional etiquette culture, men are the backbone of the family, and they should be upright and energetic when taking photos; women are half of the family, showing gentleness, dignity, and virtuousness; in the same frame as the elders, the younger generation can bow slightly and use supporting movements to show respect for the elders. The choice of clothing is also very particular: bright colors are suitable for girls, clothing for married women highlights maturity and elegance, and clothing for the elderly is simple, elegant and solemn.
"Many traditional Korean families take a set of family portraits every year to record the changes of family members throughout the year. At important moments such as birthdays, school entrance examinations, weddings, festivals, etc., everyone will also take photos to preserve the beautiful moments." Wu Quanji said that such photos are often placed in prominent places at home, which is a vivid reflection of the Korean people's emphasis on family.
China has been a "land of etiquette" since ancient times, attaching importance to family and observing filial piety. Last summer, Wu Quanji received a group of guests from Henan who went to Yanji to visit relatives. There were more than a dozen members of the family, the oldest one was over 10 years old, and the youngest child was still in his infancy. The family put on Korean costumes to take a family photo, and he was deeply moved by the joyful atmosphere.
As the National Day holiday approaches, China Korean Folk Park is about to usher in a new round of peak passenger flow. Zhang Jinming, marketing director of the park, believes that tourists from all over the world are keen to experience Korean costumes and check in and take photos. They not only pursue fresh aesthetic experiences, but also reflect the love of people of all ethnic groups for China’s excellent traditional culture. This is the fundamental reason why the popularity of the scenic spot has been so popular.
Zhang Jinming mentioned that the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress" that came into effect on July 1 this year stated that "the excellent traditional culture of all ethnic groups is an integral part of Chinese culture." He said that excellent traditional culture is exactly the aesthetic pursuit of contemporary young people.
With the sound of the shutter, tourists dressed in traditional Korean costumes immersed themselves in the life aesthetics of Korean families. Clothing, etiquette and family affection were captured in the camera. "Tradition" is no longer just an exhibit in a showcase, but has become a wearable, perceptible, and shareable everyday life. The popularity of Yanji is rooted in this cultural experience rich in national heritage. (over)
