[Korean Variety Show Review] "Brother, to Maya" ~ We used to have shows like this in Japan too, didn't we? ~

Korean variety show "Three Meals a Day" has seen Korean actor Cha Seung-won consistently show off his cooking skills.

Actually, it turns out he is also an [ancient civilization geek].
With that in mind, he takes actor Kim Sung-kyun and Juyeon, a member of the idol group THE BOYZ, to tour the Mayan civilization ruins (like pyramids) scattered across Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, stay at the homes of Mayan descendants, and immerse themselves in a life deeply connected to the Maya.

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Dr. Cha, who can rattle off Mayan myths with ease.
In Mayan mythology, humans were said to be made of corn.
The names of the gods in the myths, the Mayan religious rituals, and the customs of the time all feel familiar thanks to Dr. Cha's explanations.

Kim Sung-kyun even commented, "Actually, isn't Seung-won hyung someone who lived in the Maya and time-traveled to Korea to become an actor?"
Korean dramas do have a lot of time-travel stories, after all.

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The Mexican tourism board was also cooperative, and the three of them were actually allowed to climb one of the pyramids that is normally off-limits to the public.
Dr. Cha was overcome with emotion.
Of course, Kim Sung-kyun and Juyeon, who were originally outsiders to this subject, were also influenced and overwhelmed by the grandeur of the ruins.

For all ancient civilizations in Central and South America, there is a long gap in history due to the Spanish conquest.

I am moved by the fact that the descendants are keeping their culture and language alive, however tenuously, not just for the Maya, but for the Aztecs and Incas as well.

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The travel distances were long and the schedule was packed so tight that Juyeon developed a fever along the way, and Dr. Cha and Kim Sung-kyun also had stomach issues.
Even so, Dr. Cha, while caring for the staff and seeing his own cheeks become gaunt, prepared the "Three Meals a Day: Gochang Village" favorite, Dak-gomtang (chicken soup), for everyone.

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The three of them cleared nine challenges and obtained nine keys to open the Mayan treasure chest.
Now, what was inside the box...

I'll leave that as a surprise for when you watch the show.

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For me, a fan of imaginary travel who used to get excited watching shows like "Sekai Fushigi Hakken!" in Japan, "Naruhodo! The World" in the last century, and "Kaoru Kanetaka's World Travels" even further back, this was a very enjoyable program.

It was also a beautiful sight to see the eldest, Cha Seung-won, being incredibly considerate despite his gruff exterior.

You should definitely watch it too!
It will make you want to eat stew with tortillas.

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See you later.