Korean Wedding Unexpected Reunion

 Today, is my first time to witness a Korean Wedding program, and it is also a reunion at the same time. Shin Hyunjin is a nursing student from Sahmyook Health University. Then together with their group they had a mission trip in the Philippines way back year 2018. Because of AUP-Community Extension Service Office, I was able to become a volunteer and help them with communicating to the community people and coordinating the event place for medical mission.

When I arrived here in Korea, I communcated with the Mission Trip 2018 people and fortunately Hyunjin will be getting married soon. So he invited me to attend his wedding.

And of course I accepted the invitation because I am free during Sundays. And it will be my first ever Korean Wedding to attend.

So earlier today at 7am I go down to the cafeteria to re-heat the food that ate Melody gave. But i found out that Jipsanim was there cooking food for us. I thought there will be no food today because it's Sunday and all of the students went home for weekend. But later did I know that there are 2 students who did not go home.

I ate with thim and rush myself to take shower and prepare to leave the school. I browse the Naver Map (Korean map app) so that I will not be lost my way going to the wedding venue.

I arrived early but i don't want to go there earlier than the other people. So I decided to go Starbucks and take a sip of some coffee mocha while feeling the cool air of the aircon because it is so hot outside.

Because the wedding will start at 11:20am, I decided to leave Startbucks at 11:00am so I have 20 minutes walk going to the wedding venue. Luckily, there is another member of that mission trip among the circle of the groom's friend, so he ask to help and assist where to go. 

When I arrived the building I call Gunn, our other friend and ask where to go. He went outside the building and lead me to the wedding hall.

It feels like reunion, because other 2 girls who joined the same mission trip attended the wedding also. So we sit at the same table while waiting for the program to start.

The program starts on time by showing their prenup video. And it is sooooooooooo very very simple, simple but elegant. Like so simple and I really like this kind of program. Not like in the Philippines, that it will take a long time to end the program.

The program starts by entrance of the groom with his father. While entering the aisle, the groom will stop along the way and bow to the guest side to side. He will do that mid center, center and front center until he will reach the front stage.

Then not long after that, the bride will enter. Then both of them will take a moment in front and read the their bows. I dono what they are saying because it is in Korean Language, hahahah

After their speech in front. They will go in front of their both parents and bow then hug and show respect to them.

Then, some special friends or special person will give message, and another offer some song for the couple. Then after that, the officiating minister will enter to officially seal their marriage.

Then after that, photo opt. Hahaha so fast... I was so amazed by that kind of a short wedding program. 

Medyo malayo ako sa front kasi pag pasok namin sa loob may mga naka upo na dun sa harap, at saka baka mga close family relatives yata naka upo dun, kaya dito lang kaming mga friends sa gilid. At saka na hihiya ako mag picture picture dun sa harap, baka sabihin sino naman tong adik na to paharang harang. Tapos ung camera ko hanggang 2x lang yung zoom, cannot afford pa ung iPhone pro max fully paid. hahahaha

After the short wedding program, umakyat na kami sa 5th floor for their reception. Ay bonga ang pagkain unlimited eat all you can whatever you eat it it all. Kumain ka hanggat kaya mo, hanggang mamatay. Hahahaha

Iba't ibang klaseng food, sushi, salad, soup, fruits, dessert, pizza, pasta, different meat and other side dishes. Napagod ako umikot at pumili ng food. Kaya salad at fruits nalang kinain ko at Kimbap roll and dessert nalang ako.

Not long after we enjoy our food, nag bihis na ang bride and groom, tapos umakyat na rin sila sa reception area. Tapos nag ikot ikot sa mga kumakain na guest, tapos kamusta kamusta lang. Tapos hi and hello. Pagtapat nila sa table namin. Tumayo ako at nag congratulate sa kanilang dalawa. Tapos si groom nag Korean korean sya, kinausap ung papa nya sabi in Korean (Pa, Ma, friend ko galing Pinas nakilala ko nong nag punta kami dun) oh! diba na intindihan ko... hahahaha tapos nag hug hug kami tapos syempre sa bride din, kilala din naman ako ng bride. Tapos gulat ung ibang mga guest akala nila kung sino gwapo itong feeling close sa bride and groom. hahahah

Walang special table for the couple. Basta nag hanap lang sila ng vacant seat, after nila mag ikot ikot sa mga guest nila tapos kumain na sila.

Nong tapos na kami kumain at paalis na kami, lumapit ako sa table nila tapos nakipag chikkahan, at nag selfie, medyo hagard na sila dito pero mas mukhang hagard mukha ko sa kanila. hahaha kaya pasenya na sa picture. Ito lang talaga best na kuha ng phone ko. No filter just real me.

Nong pag uwi na, hinatid ako ni Gunn, ung isa pa naming friend na kasama din sa mission trip. Binaba nya ako sa Subway station pauwi sa school. Pero medyo maaga pa, so nag decide ako na mag gala muna sa Seoul at na isip ko na bumili ng Soya sa Sahmyook Food Store. Pero sabi ni Zel (former SDALC Teacher na nag aaral sa Korea now) sabi nya, mahal daw sa physical store, mas okay sa sa Coupang (Online store).

So hindi na ako tumuloy sa pumunta sa Seoul, tapos na isip ko dumaan nalang kay Jade (missionary sa Guri, na ka batch ko) nag chikkahan kami at marami kaming pinag usapan na tao, good and bad topic.. hahahaha bawal i-share ang pinag usapan namin.

Hindi lang naman chikkahan ginawa namin, we also encourage one another, kaya namin to, at makaka survive kami dito sa Korea. Ganon! hahahaha

Mga bandang 4:10pm nag madali na akong umuwi sa school, kasi meron daw kaming dinner nila Ate Melody at Tr. Joy... hahahah tapos ang tagal ng subway kasi may transfer transfer pa from another subway. Hindi na sila nakatiis, sinundo na nila ako sa pinaka malapit na subway kasi gutom na daw sila. hahahah..

Hanggang sa muli., thank you sa pag babasa dito sa Diary ng Gwapo sa Korea. Ingat!!!