Day 11 - Last night in Seoul

I cannot believe that our trip is coming to an end. It has been such an awesome experience with well planned activities and presentations.

The day started with our wonderful breakfast at the T Mark Hotel followed presentations by the New Zealand and Australian delegates.

Sean introduced Mr. Jee and Ms Jeong from the Korea Foundation. Mr. Jee delivered a speech and explained the various initiatives that the Korean Foundation does to create awareness globally about South Korea. The speeches were followed by some really exciting presentations by the Kiwi and Aussie delegates.

   

Each member of the Korea Studies Workshop presented some really good ideas of how they can incorporate their experience with their professional career. Everyone had something different to contribute which explains how diverse Korea is. Some of the topics discussed were education, sustainability, geographical skills, culture, disparities and many others. After the presentations the New Zealand and Australian delegates performed a Waiata (song) Te Aroha and the Waltzing Matilda respectively.

Our guests were really impressed with the quality and knowledge we have gained from our visits. Sean thanked Mr. Jee and Ms Jeong for taking out their time and part taking in the presentations.

The gifting and presentations officially came to an end with a group photo.

It was not over yet as we had one more important gift to present and it was no other than our number 1 guide – Stephanie. She has been so wonderful during the whole trip and made things so easy for us even in the most difficult times. She has been guiding us around and with her immense knowledge we have learnt so much. Thanks Amma.

Stephanie was really happy and did say that we have been an awesome group of teachers and professionals in the trip. When Steph smiles it means she is happy….

Fiona thanked Sean on behalf of the delegates. Sean has made this trip a success with his leadership qualities. He has been taking care of everyone one at all times and this shows how great he is as a person. Thanks Sean.

The boys dreams were fulfilled as they had a selfie with the beautiful guide Stephanie.

             

Visit the Korea Focus website for an in depth information about their contribution to a broader understanding of Korean society in the international community and promoting Korean studies at academic institutions abroad. It is circulated among major international organizations, universities, libraries, Korean studies institutes and individual researchers in some 150 countries. Here is a link to an electronic magazine they produce http://www.koreafocus.or.kr/design3/index.asp

The night concluded with yet another wonderful dinner. Thanks again Sean. The hot and spicy octopus was delicious. With this said, everyone enjoyed the dinner and shared jokes and stories.

 Goodbye Seoul and we all are hoping to be back again at some time in our lives..

Aman

Prezi link for the blog

Here is the link to the prezi of the participants presentations. 

Each participant of the KSW presented to the group how they will apply what they have learnt on this trip to their various roles

http://prezi.com/bfkj1xxza7zh/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Sam

 

Day 10 - steel works, school visit and more!

Today we began our day by departing the lovely Commodore Hotel in Gyeongju and heading towards POSCO steel works in the city of Pohang. When we arrived we were welcomed to the works and given an introduction to the company and what it does. We learnt the plant was established on 1 April 1968 and employs approximately 8000 people in the Pohang district. It is a large contributor to the economy of Pohang and wider Korea; it helped to lift Koreans out of poverty and hardship after the Korean War. The company even has its own history museum, heliport and built a soccer stadium! 

The plant works 24/7 and produces steel that is used in products from cell phones to satellites and everything in between! Some of these products include car and ship parts, medical equipment, power line wire, pipes, containers, nuts and bolts and stainless steel items. The process of steel production at this plant involves extracting, purifying and casting steel from ore. The company then packages and transports steel around Korea and the world. The plant mainly imports raw materials from Australia, Brazil, India, The United States of America and Canada. It also collects raw materials from around Korea. Materials include iron, limestone and coal. Power is produced for the plant through four power stations that are fuelled by gas. 

A waste water treatment facility also runs on site. The facility monitors emissions from the plant and wider city. 98% of used water is also recycled everyday; 5 million tones of water is used daily by the plant for purposes such as dampening access ways and cooling steel. 

Next, we enjoyed a lovely European buffet lunch at VIPS Steak and Salad bar and prepared for our departure for Seoul via fast train. 

On our return to Seoul we prepared to visit Youngil High School to experience school life in Korea; this was an amazing opportunity! We were welcomed with an applause from students and given an insight into their everyday lives through presentations by 4 students based on the school structure, the Korean education system and a day in the life of a typical Korean student. We finished the school visit with a tour of the school led by students. 

After the school tour, we split into groups and students arranged dinner with us with some visiting family homes, and other visiting a local restaurant. Val, Jane, Fiona and I were provided with an amazing dinner at an Eco-friendly restaurant in the heart of Seoul city with Youngil High School students Jaekyum, Sanghoon, Sunho and Siwoo. 

Over all an awesome day! I will take so much back to my own school from this experience. 

Tauira

A day of firsts

Today was a day of firsts and special moments. We started with a trip on the bullet train to Gyeongiu. The first experience for many of us. The seats were large and heaps of leg room. Bliss. We travelled approx 350km in 2 hours. Very impressive. We then travelled by bus through the countryside to the 540 year old wooden village of Yangdong. We were given the rare honour of entering the home of one of the residents. It was a petite and beautiful home with a thatched roof. The generosity of Korean people has been humbling. 

 

Lunch was another gourmet delight. Fresh herbs and leaves,15 side dishes, rice, tofu soup, seaweed soup, beef and vegetables cooked in broth at the table. We wrapped our beef and side dishes up in the leaves and ate the little mouthfuls of delightfulness.

Next stop. The cave Buddha. One of the most serene buddhas I have ever seen. This magnificent statue was in the Gyeongju national park and an added bonus was seeing my first live squirrel in the bush. Small cute and quick.

Following a short bus ride we arrived at the Bulguksa Buddhist temple to be surrounded by the sound of birds. After looking in the trees trying to find the birds I realised they were actually china whistles being blown by young children. They were so neat I think all kiwis bought one. This complex was a grand space of many buildings and awe inspiring statues.

A surprise addition to our itinerary was a visit to the burial tombs. Another first. Entering the tomb and seeing the final resting place of a king was very moving. The replicas of the jewellery and artifacts found in the kings tomb were intricate with detailed filigree work while, others like the horse stirrups were heavy and large.

To top off an amazing day was without a doubt the best meal of the trip full. To add to the firsts, first time sitting on the floor in a resturant to eat, first time eating jellyfish and first eating abolone. The abolone was small, delicate and tender. Even nicer than paua. It is impossible to find the words to describe the resturant, multiple courses and side dishes. Actually, I think it was my best meal ever.  

Sandy 

Past and present - division and hope?

Saturday began very early for the group. We left the comforts of our hotel at 7:50am and drove north towards the DMZ (De-Militarised Zone). The hour or so long journey was made interesting by Stephanie (our guide) telling us what was in store and some of the protocols to follow once we arrived. As we drifted further away from Seoul a barbed wire fence appeared to our left which ran along the Han river. It was a stark reminder of the continuing tensions and division between the North and South. 

Our first stop at Imjingak had various exhibits and memorials relating to the Korean War. A giant 21 tonne peace bell and workship altar serve as monuments to lives lost and to continuing hope of many Koreans for future unification. A railroad spans the Imjingang River and runs towards the Northern border. 

 

Once we passed through the passport controls successfully, we arrived at the 3rd 'invasion' tunnel (which was discovered in the 1970's going from the North to the South). Donning our plastic blue helmets, we rode a train deep under ground. Another 200 metres was walked by our group in a narrow 2 x 2 metre tunnel - many of the taller folk were thankful for the helmets with the sound of the plastic helmets hitting rock or the metal reinforced bars.  

The third instalment of the DMZ was a chance to view over the border into North Korea. A clear day allowed for views into the unknown land beyond the border. 

The final stop was the newly built Dorasan train station, which is the last stop from a line from Seoul. Again, hopeful messages surrounded the venue and gave an idea of South Korea extending a peaceful hand towards their Northern counterparts. 

Following a traffic-filled journey back to Seoul (due to a public holiday - Foundation Day), we arrived at the War Memorial of Korea. A knowledgable guide led us through the 2 Korean War exhibition rooms. The surrounding grounds had a tremendous amount of memorials, statues, war machinery and other reminders of war. The contribution of the New Zealand soldiers in the Korean War was evident in several places which showed South Korea's ongoing gratitude for the multi-national halo during their hour of need. 

After a late lunch, leisurely time was had by all. A large portion of the New Zealand contingent, joined by one keen Australian, went to watch the annual Seoul International Fireworks Festival. A spectacular amount of fireworks was on display for over an hour seen by a crowd of many thousands. 

  

Overall, a very emotion-filled and reflective day for many of us about the horrors of war, the spirit of hope and the uniqueness of being in a nation still divided along Cold War lines.

Jakub

Peace and tranquility in the big city

Today we had the morning off which we all took advantage of, whether to recover from karaoke or enjoy a little pampering at one of the city's many spas. 

In the afternoon we travelled to Bongeunsa Temple in the affluent Gangnam district. It's sits amongst towering sky scrapers and a car park filled with luxury European cars. Once we walked through the gates, the frenetic pace of the outside world was soon forgotten. We all immediately felt a calmness wash over us as our guide showed us around the different pavilions. She explained the colourful paintings that told the story of the Buddha's life. 

After our tour, we watched a demonstration of a tea ceremony (the tea was amazing!) and then got crafty making a lotus flower. It was then time to try Seon meditation. Even my monkey mind was at ease for a few minutes. This was such a wonderful experience. I left the temple feeling amazing and it is definitely the highlight of the trip so far for me. 

We then headed off to North Seoul Tower for yet another delicious Korean feast. I was even able to put into practice what I had learnt from the meditation session at the temple, as the elevator zoomed up the tower. We enjoyed panoramic night views of this huge city that is Seoul. Then it was another deep breath in and out as we zoomed down the tower again. 

I think we are all enjoying an early night tonight in preparation for our much anticipated trip to the DMZ tomorrow.

Shelley

Religion, economy and ICT in Korea

The morning began with a lecture from the charismatic Dr Hyondo Park at Ewha University. Religion plays a big part of modern day Korea, with 55% of Koreans affiliating with a religion. Dr Park discussed the influence of China and United States and the different stages of their religious history. Christianity and Budhism is strong and influences political and economic policies including helping with the democracy demonstrations in the 1980s and influencing education and health policies today.

The next lecture by, Dr Sei-Wan Kim, explained the Korean economy. Korea is the 11th biggest economy in the world and specialises in manufacturing and services. It's amazing to think of Korea's progression from recipient to donor country in such a short time period.

Afterwards a delicious box lunch was provided by Ewha University. 

Next we visited an English bookstore and explored the area surrounding the Australian embassy. Close by in front of the U.S. Embassy two protestors were being watched by twenty police officers. A few members from the New Zealand contingent visited the History Museum with fascinating models of Seoul city and artefacts.

Our last official activity for the day was a lecture from Dr Heejin from Yonsei University who discussed the development of ICT in Korea. The government has and continues to play a major role in the research and develop of ICT infrastructure and Korea is a leading country of mobile phones and other such goods.

Returning back to the hotel, a few went shopping in the night market and the others showcased their talents at karaoke.

Olivia

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