Seoulsearching2008: Do you have what it takes to join the Drumming Club?

Imagine a small room lined with mats, traditional Korean drums (such as 장구 janggu-->hourglass drum and 북 buk-->barrel drum), shoes smashed into a corner and the smell of ja jang myun 짜장면 (Korean-style Chinese noodle dish). This is the "hang out" room for one of Yonsei's drumming clubs.

--Side note: I have never seen so many umbrellas. To simplify the situation, attempting to work your way through a crowd is a challenge. People use umbrellas when it's raining (even drizzling), snowing and to protect from the sun, but sunglasses are not popular even on the sunniest days.--

On a rainy day this was the perfect place to escape the dreary day and this group definitely puts everyone in a good mood. Saturday was initiation day in which the club welcomed new members and invited former members to a watch a performance and participate in various activities. Being the only "foreigners" in the group, my friends and I had no idea what the day entailed, but this adds to the element of surprise and excitement right...?

First, the new members gathered together to plan some form of entertainment for the rest of the club. Bouncing back ideas was quite amusing because it was difficult to translate "creative" ideas. Let's just say that my cell phone dictionary and I became quite close. After formulating a plan we were escorted to a more spacious room in a neighboring building. After our performances, the group formed a large circle. All of a sudden select members entered the center of the circle with to introduce themselves, recite some kind of chant, drink a "special" mixed drink and sing a short solo. My shoulder muscles tightened when I realized each new member (including the foreigners) were expected to partake in this as well.

One by one, we entered the center of the circle to bring an empty 괭괴리 gwengwari to a sunbae (mentor or someone with more experience) of our choice, who was someone we wished to become closer to. Following the group's tradition, we had to choose carefully because some sunbae would be kinder than others in what they chose to add to the gwengwari (besides alcohol). Each member from a particular group (newbies, seniors, etc) was responsible for finishing the contents of the gwengwari . Bottoms up... We cringed as additional ingredients were being mixed into the gwengwari including morsels of food and coffee. It was a special treat to watch the chosen members wash their hands (or feet) and swirl the liquid in their mouth and graciously return it to its rightful place in the gwengwari . I have never endured anything that remotely resembled this experience, but what a rush. All I can say is "Well-done group!"

Just survive serenading the group with your "wonderful" vocals and you are home free. What an adrenaline rush but once its over "phew." Oh man. Only in Korea... or more so only in this group. I absolutely love everyone in this club. This experience definitely skyrockets to the top.