This day marks Korea's independence from Japanese rule, which as I understand it, lasted nearly 40 years. Though anti-Japanese sentiment is alive and well in Korea, many citizens treat this holiday as a chance for celebration of Korean culture rather than a reminder of past transgressions. Given that Gwangbokjeol is a public holiday, we received the day off. Annnnnd it just so happens that Czech musician Marketa Irglova was performing at the AX theater in Seoul! The weather was mild to torrential rain all day but the concert was absolutely amazing. Marketa completely surpassed all my idolized expectations and Aida Shahghesemi, an Iranian musician who accompanied her, was beyond inspirational. She plays a daf, a Persian precursor to the tambourine, and sings as if her soul depended on it. Most of the songs were sung in English, though both Marketa and Aida each sang a song in their native languages, Czech and Farsi. Naturally there was a little Korean thrown into the mix. Quite the medley.
A delicious Thai lunch and a trip to an English bookstore were also worked into the itinerary.
All in all, it was the best Wednesday of 2012 thus far.
