The wars in Korea have ended. For the first time in forty-three years, Shin-young's village of Songnom will celebrate the Taeborum, a festival symbolizing prosperity, abundant crops and good fortune throughout the year. Fathers sign marriage contracts for girls of thirteen years while mothers plan profuse village weddings. Girls of Songnom Upper School talk of nothing else. Shin-young, thirteen in three days, does not want Apa to sign her marriage contract. She intends to become Korea's most famous dancer and earn sockfulls of won to buy warm winter clothes for her family. When Chun-li, owner of Seoul Academy of Dance offers two years of lessons for the most talented dancer at the Taeborum, Shin-young feels her destiny will be met. In the closet at school, she spots a pair of beautiful black leather shoes. Did the tagapis design them? Did the little people leave them here to tease her? If she dances the Taeborum in shoes like those the dance master's eyes would watch only her, he would see her graceful movements and Shin-young would be enrolled in the Academy of Dance before the year ends. Where can she get money to purchase a pair of dancing shoes? It is "spring hunger," winter food becomes scarce; coins are reserved for emergencies. It would shame Apa if she took a job in their village. Shin-young's search for answers and the shiny dancing shoes lead her on an unexpected and perilous journey.