http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/cms/content/76/571376_1_1.jpgFolk village or living set? Historical accuracy or pop culture appeal? There is no shortage of recreated villages and palaces dotting the Korean countryside and punctuating cityscapes. The close quarters and low gateways are pretty much a prerequisite to the menu of tourist aperitifs. After a while, curious visitors run the risk of having them blur together — the “seen one temple, seen ‘em all” syndrome.
Set in the relatively pastoral Yangju area north of Seoul, Dae Jang Geum Theme Park (named after the successful MBC Drama) is a draw for fans of the series, but does it measure up for TV dilettantes?
In brief, because there are enough twists over the course of the single-season series to make M. Night Shyamalan blush, Dae Jang Geum follows the adventures of the title character, Seo Jang Geum — the “Dae” title being bestowed later in life — loosely based on a early Joseon Dynasty-era figure as she rises through the court’s ranks from kitchen apprentice to medicine woman to royal doctor.
If you thought Dr. Quinn was met with consternation from the locals, try being a low-ranking woman (having even undergone exile at one point) in a 15th-century court.
The show gained in popularity part because of its difference from previous period dramas, this time adding an element of humor and correlations to modern tribulations faced by young folks chasing their dreams.
It has also been hailed as one of the hallmark exports of Hallyu, the “Korean Wave” of pop culture exports to other (mainly Asian, but spreading) countries. On the day of the author’s visit, a rather cold and dismal afternoon, the parking lot was still full of tour buses and the grounds fairly swamped with Chinese fans thrilled to be able to explore in person the very place they had seen some of their favorite plot lines come to fruition.
SAPARI.PRIDE
