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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Images of Korea

Today we were treated to a series of presentations on Korean education and social history.  It is interesting to see the central role that education has played in the rise of a confident and economically prosperous modern Korea. It strikes me that Koreans have subscribed to the theory that if something is good, then more of it must be better. I am not convinced that this theory holds true for young Koreans spending long hours in cram schools, but their results speak for themselves. 

The new direction being adopted by KEDI (Korea Education Development Institute) to focus on creativity demonstrates Korea's commitment to being a world leader into the future.

Three key areas of focus:

Happy Education - students' dream and develop talents.

Normalisation of School Education - one semester in Year 8 with more emphasis on projects and less assessment.  An attempt to change school culture to be more creative.

Establishment of Competency Based Society - more technical and vocational education.

Tracey

Ako in Korea

Today the Australians and New Zealanders had the chance to touch base with home by visiting our respective embassies in Seoul. At the New Zealand embassy we met with the Ambassador Clare Fearnley,  Rod Fortune the Defence Representative and Erin Duncan the Second Secretary who also takes responsibilities for relations with North Korea. It was interesting to hear how our relationship has developed on the Korean Peninsular and the ongoing connections New Zealand has with the two countries. It was touching to hear Rod's story about an elderly Korean man who stopped to thank a visiting New Zealand Veteran on the subway. This gave us an incredible sense of New Zealand pride. 

  

We then went and joined the Australian contingent at the Australian Embassy and heard from the Korean Educational Development Institute and the Korean Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation. These speakers gave us great insight into the Korean education system and changes that have lead to both high achievement, economic growth and social development. We then joined our presenters for lunch and had the chance to have Bulgogi and talk to them one on one. Another delicious Korean dining experience! 

Our focus on education continued into the afternoon with a trip to the Ewha Woman's University. There Professor Kim Young-Hoon gave us an inspiring lecture about the shifting image of Korea through their visual representation in the media. He showed us many National Geographic images and videos from his research which analysed how Korea has been seen by the outside world since 1890. We all left the lecture keen and eager to find out more about his publications. 

  

By the end of the day we felt like we had experienced a full school day as Korean students. To top it off we then went to an after school Hakwon or "cram school" where students go to have additional tutoring in preparation for their very important CSAT exams which determines if and where they can go to university.

    

We saw students studying and met some of their teachers. While we went to a lovely Chinese restaurant for dinner these students would remain studying until 10pm. Overall we leave today with a wealth of information and feeling enlightened about Korean education, international relations and culture. Annyeong-haseyo and good night from Seoul!

Eleanor and Fiona 😻

A Night In Korea

 

 

After today's very large lunch for some we were given a taste of some more traditional Korean foods at Korea House. Several side dishes were already laid out in front of us with some yummy Korean green tea and then a bowl or plate of food would arrive in front of you. Some of the courses were shared amongst four people and other times the beautifully dressed Korean wait staff put individual courses in front of us. Once it was eaten they would bring the next dish out. This went on for around 10 courses. Some of the interesting courses included a variety of seafood, stirfry type beef with rice, marinated pan-fried red cod, a meat pattie type dish with mushrooms and kumara, and of course some dessert which was some fresh fruit. Each course was beautifully presented and delicious little morsels.

The show afterwards was incredible. The dancers were perfectly in time as they told their stories. The drummers must have incredibly sore arms after their workout showcasing their culture. The snowflake dance was a favourite of mine as they used a white fan shaped prop to symbolise the snowflakes. The final act saw some interesting head movements as they twirled their ribbons from their hats. The colours and sounds all portrayed their culture and heritage in this beautiful country full of history.

An evening stroll for a few of us meant we were able to find the coolest cafe in Seoul.... the Cat Cafe! For an hour or so we mingled with some gorgeous cats while sipping on our drinks. The furry and not-so-furry felines mostly loved the attention and the food they got to lick off the back of our hands. We can't wait til we get one on the North Shore in Auckland!

Nicola

All of us with the wonderful performers from the Korean House

Tuesdays adventures

The day began early for Jakub and Sam who used the late start to run up Mt Namsan. It is a very popular place for runners and walkers with stunning views of Seoul.

The group headed off to PSCORE (People for Successful COrean Reunification) to hear about their work with raising awareness of Human Rights abuses in North Korea, addressing barriers to the reunification of Korea and supporting defectors. We heard from a defector who made it to South Korea via China and Thailand last year. Her story was both heartbreaking and inspiring. 

After PSCORE we went for Korean shabu shabu for lunch. There is a pan of boiling broth in the middle of the table and the diner cooks vegetables, meat and noodles. Very tasty!

     
​

Sam 

My PSCORE reflections

Our visit to PSCORE People for Successful Corean Reunification was very humbling.  We listened to the experiences of a young North Korean defector who escaped the poverty and subjugation of her childhood to seek freedom and opprtunity in Seoul. While her journey was perilous, it seems like there is still a hard road ahead for such a young person setting forth alone.  Supported by the PSCORE, her church and financially the Korean government, she is busy studying, learning English and aspiring to a university education.  It speaks to her determination to seek a better life, but ultimately she spoke of her desire for freedom.  I couldn't help but reflect on how much our freedom is taken for granted in countries like Australia. Freedoms like the power to choose the direction our life will take, where we live, our faith, to travel, are expectations that we don't even question. Today I was reminded that freedom should not be taken for granted and that we have a responsibility to support organisations that work for ensuring the basic freedoms that we enjoy in Australia. As educators we have an important role to play.

Tracey

North Korea experiences

I watched some amazing Ted Talks recently and wanted to share them after an amazing experience this morning at PSCORE. 

http://www.ted.com/talks/joseph_kim_the_family_i_lost_in_north_korea_and_the_family_i_gained?utm_source=email&source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ios-share

http://www.ted.com/talks/hyeonseo_lee_my_escape_from_north_korea?utm_source=email&source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ios-share

http://www.ted.com/talks/suki_kim_this_is_what_it_s_like_to_teach_in_north_korea?utm_source=email&source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ios-share

Fiona 

Great photo of the whole group