Celebrate traditional and modern Korean culture at Morris Arboretum on Saturday, September 30, 11am-3pm. Discover this Asian country’s lifestyle through music, garden tours, and food sampling.

Experience Korean music performed by two University of Pennsylvania student groups; both with a unique sound expressing the soul of the nation.

·         Penn DuRe, a traditional drum troupe – two 15 minute performances at 11:30am and 1:30pm.

·         Penn Sori, a capella singing group of Penn students (pictured here) – two 15 minute performances at 12 noon and 2pm.

In between music sets, learn about plants that are native to Korea on a 45 minute tour of the 92-acre botanical collection.  Led by Arboretum Guides, tours begin at 11:30am and 2pm.  Featured trees include:

·         Zelkova serrata, which towers over the Springhouse by the Azalea Meadow. In Korean folklore, the tough trunk of the Zelkova symbolizes a strong will and the attractive leaves symbolize politeness; these trees are known as “good spirit” trees.

·         Pinus densiflora, the national tree of Korea, will also be on the tour. Hear stories about this tree’s spiritual and material influence on the Korean people for 5000 years.

Before and after the walking tour, sample complimentary Korean food favorites, such as kimchi and Asian pears,while supplies last.  For a full lunch of Asian flavors, eat at the Compton Café, the Arboretum’s on-site restaurant that will feature Korean BBQ and kimchi guk, a traditional Korean soup.

This event is made possible by a grant from the University of Pennsylvania’s Provost Interdisciplinary Arts Fund.   Included with garden admission.

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is located at 100 East Northwestern Avenue in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia.  The 92-acre horticulture display garden features a spectacular collection of mature trees in a beautiful and colorful landscape. The Arboretum includes numerous picturesque spots such as a formal rose garden, historic water features, a swan pond, and the only remaining freestanding fernery in North America. The arboretum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also the official arboretum of Pennsylvania. A permanent nationally award winning exhibit, Out on a Limb – a Tree Adventure Exhibit adds to Morris Arboretum’s allure by transporting visitors 50 feet up into the treetops on a canopy walk that requires no climbing.  Open weekdays 10am-4pm and weekends 10am-5pm (Apr-Oct).  Open late on Wednesdays in June, July, and August until 8pm.  For more information, visit www.morrisarboretum.org.

Photo Credit:  Paul W. Meyer

Photo Caption: Bring your family and friends to Morris Arboretum on September 30, 11am-3pm, to celebrate traditional and modern Korean culture.  Discover this Asian country’s lifestyle through music, garden tours, and food sampling.  One of the groups scheduled to perform is Penn Sori, an a capella singing group of Penn students pictured here at the 2015 event. This event is made possible by a grant from the University of Pennsylvania’s Provost Interdisciplinary Arts Fund.  Included with garden admission.  For more information, visitwww.morrisarboretum.org.