[Anchor Lead]
Earlier this month, Koreans marked Ipchun, which means the beginning of spring on the lunar calendar. Although Korea remains in the grip of a cold spell, harbingers of spring are being spotted here and there. Let’s check it out.
[Pkg]
A frozen river begins to melt and flow again with a hint of spring in the air. Apricot blossoms in a sunlit place have already burst into bloom. The early apricot blossoms send off the smell of spring. Deep in the forest still filled with cold air, Defying the winter freeze, bunches of tiny black frog spawn in a stream signal the beginning of life. Sprouts of wild green shepherd's purse poke their heads out across the frozen field. With several swings of a hoe, a basket is filled with the spring green.
[Soundbite] Yoo Soon-deok(Farmer) : "I thought it is still winter. But spring is already here. All these greens are really good. They are good for women's skin and stimulate the appetite of people."
Spring has arrived even in the mountains at an altitude of 470 meters. These are adonis flowers, which herald the approaching spring. Yellow flowers have bloomed on tiny branches despite the wintry cold. A wide field of yellow canola flowers in full bloom stretches along a coast. Tourists build up unforgettable memories while basking in the air of spring.
[Soundbite] Kim Min-gyeong(Tourist) : "The canola blossoms are so pretty that I took photos. Seeing the yellow flowers makes me feel warm and happy, as if spring has arrived."
A traditional Korean shamanic ritual called "gut” is held on the occasion of Ipchun, ushering in the new season and wishing for blessings throughout the year. Dating back to the Tamra era between the third and the tenth century, the Ipchun ritual was halted during Japan's colonial occupation of Korea. But it was restored following the nation's liberation and has become a representative folk festival of Jeju. They pray for a comfortable life while driving a wooden cow.
[Soundbite] Ahn Jeong(Jejudo
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