Sometimes you sleep...
I have travelled to several locations in the world where I was warned to not flaunt my Americanism--even so far to wearing a Canada pin--Korea is 180degrees the opposite in its' reaction to American visitors. In America the Korea War may be refered to as the 'forgotten war' but in South Korea the spirit of the alliance is alive and vibrant. I was raised to thank people in uniform for their service and 70 years from the Armistice signing that
I have travelled to several locations in the world where I was warned to not flaunt my Americanism--even so far to wearing a Canada pin--Korea is 180degrees the opposite in its' reaction to American visitors. In America the Korea War may be refered to as the 'forgotten war' but in South Korea the spirit of the alliance is alive and vibrant. I was raised to thank people in uniform for their service and 70 years from the Armistice signing that
Seoul: the Westin Josun
Our home base was the Westin Josun Seoul. The Westin Josun Seoul has long been known as an ideal spot called 'Myungdang'. The current location of the Westin Josun Seoul is where the 'Hwangudan' emperor held an ancestral rite to heaven and there is the remains of a Temple on the grounds. The Guardians took good care of us!
Our home base was the Westin Josun Seoul. The Westin Josun Seoul has long been known as an ideal spot called 'Myungdang'. The current location of the Westin Josun Seoul is where the 'Hwangudan' emperor held an ancestral rite to heaven and there is the remains of a Temple on the grounds. The Guardians took good care of us!
Baekyangsa Temple Visit
Busan: the Westin Josun Busan
The southern portion of our stay was on the beach in Busan. Great to have some Sea of Japan beach time for any Jersey girl!
The southern portion of our stay was on the beach in Busan. Great to have some Sea of Japan beach time for any Jersey girl!
Traditional Korea
Gyeongbok Palace
Changdeok Palace
The Changdeokgung Palace was loved more than any other palace by the kings of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) because of the spacious and beautiful gardens attached. The Secret Garden was intended as a place kings and royal family members to relax and as a setting for various outdoor activities.(부영지와 주함누)Buyongji, a gorgeous rectangular pond, is where we started our visit. The two story Juhamnu Pavilion was built in 1776, serving as King Jeongjo's (1776-1800) royal library and research institute.
The Changdeokgung Palace was loved more than any other palace by the kings of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) because of the spacious and beautiful gardens attached. The Secret Garden was intended as a place kings and royal family members to relax and as a setting for various outdoor activities.(부영지와 주함누)Buyongji, a gorgeous rectangular pond, is where we started our visit. The two story Juhamnu Pavilion was built in 1776, serving as King Jeongjo's (1776-1800) royal library and research institute.
Want to live forever? Pass through the arch and immortality may be yours! The rest of the Secret Garden includes buildings for the rest of the royal court, ponds, and many places to rest and reflect on our trip.
Education
We met with educators and students at several points during our visit.
We met with educators and students at several points during our visit.
Korean Traditional Arts High School, Geumcheon-gu
Our visit to a high school was a very special chance to make with high school students and to see them perform. The Kotran Traditional Arts High School is a magnet school for students across Korea who major in dance, music, drama, etc. The Music Department where they practice instruments such as the gayageumong (zither with 25 strings), geomungo (long zither with 6 strings), haegeum (vertical fiddle), daegeum (bamboo flute), piri (flute) and ajaeng (bowed zither with 7 strings). Students may also choose from percussion instruments including the janggu (hourglass-shaped drum), kkwaenggwari (small metal gong), buk (barrel drum) and sogo (small, hand-held drum). Those who wish to study the vocal arts may take pansori (solo lyrical opera), minyo (folksong), byeongchang (singing with instruments) and jeongga (royal music) classes. Students can also major in Music Theory and Composition or Rhythm and the Performing Arts. The Dance Department includes classes in ballet, traditional, modern, and jazz. Look for each of these majors in the pictures/videos below!
Our visit to a high school was a very special chance to make with high school students and to see them perform. The Kotran Traditional Arts High School is a magnet school for students across Korea who major in dance, music, drama, etc. The Music Department where they practice instruments such as the gayageumong (zither with 25 strings), geomungo (long zither with 6 strings), haegeum (vertical fiddle), daegeum (bamboo flute), piri (flute) and ajaeng (bowed zither with 7 strings). Students may also choose from percussion instruments including the janggu (hourglass-shaped drum), kkwaenggwari (small metal gong), buk (barrel drum) and sogo (small, hand-held drum). Those who wish to study the vocal arts may take pansori (solo lyrical opera), minyo (folksong), byeongchang (singing with instruments) and jeongga (royal music) classes. Students can also major in Music Theory and Composition or Rhythm and the Performing Arts. The Dance Department includes classes in ballet, traditional, modern, and jazz. Look for each of these majors in the pictures/videos below!
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Hamsung University
We were also able to visit Hamsung University in Seoul. Featuring some of the most advanced technology needed for modern study, the University also stresses creativity in all its degree options. As they like to say, Hamsung Alumni are making a new world!
We were also able to visit Hamsung University in Seoul. Featuring some of the most advanced technology needed for modern study, the University also stresses creativity in all its degree options. As they like to say, Hamsung Alumni are making a new world!
Teachers
Museums
Jikji Museum
National Museum of Korea Contemporary Hist, Seoul
National Museum of Korea,
The Economic Miracle
A visit to a Korean Marketplace...
...and some non-traditional eating!
...and some non-traditional eating!
POSCO Gwang-Yang steelworks
Hanwae Ocean
Busan Expo Prpeparation Exhibition hall
Samsung Semiconductor
Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice