Dance the funky chicken, Oktoberfest is nearly here

Millions of liters of beer, endless sausage links and heaps of sauerkraut. If that makes you go “yum,” get ready for Oktoberfest, which is coming to the Millennium Hilton Seoul from October 9 to 10.
Oktoberfest traces its origins to the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I of Bavaria) and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen held in Munich on Oct. 12, 1810. The citizens were invited to celebrate the royal event in the fields near the city gate, and horse races marked the end of the party. The races were repeated the following year, leading to the annual tradition of Oktoberfest. Now in its 172nd year, the festival draws over 6 million visitors to Munich, Germany every year. Visitors gather in huge tents covering 100 acres, and consume over 5 million liters of beer and 200,000 pairs of pork sausages. This year’s Oktoberfest in Munich will be held from Sept 17 to Oct 3.
Meanwhile in Seoul, the Millennium Hilton will transform its convention center into a Munich-style brauhaus right down to the smallest detail, from the costumes of waiters to the traditional checkered tablecloth. Gigantic murals depict the scenery of Bavaria. A band from that region will mix music and mirth, playing songs such as the "chicken dance," the infamous German drinking number that encourages everyone to clap their hands and flap their arms.
Side activities include arm wrestling, nail hammering and speed drinking contests. Winners of the competitions will receive prizes, including a trip to Germany. Raffle tickets will also be on sale at the event.
Oktoberfest cuisine includes a wide range of sausages in all different sizes and flavors, schnitzels with sauerkraut on the side - a truly German meal for all to savor. Besides beer, partygoers can enjoy everything from wine and soft drinks to the notorious licorice-flavored liquor Jagermeister. Tickets for food and beverages are 79,000 won per person.
Several other places in Seoul will also host Oktoberfest celebrations: O'Kim's Brauhaus in Samseong-dong, Gangnam district, will also hold an Oktoberfest event until Oct. 31, as well as Marche, the family restaurant.

by Choi Jie-ho