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 

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

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!

     
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Sam 

Seoul power

Jakub from Auckland here. Can't believe that the craziness of Term 3 is over and we are only 4 days away from a brand new full on adventure. Hard to pick one thing that I'm really excited about - to be honest just being in South Korea which is full of so much history will be exciting...I think Seoul in general will be a highlight...I love busy, global cities which are full of life and many hidden gems...the Seoul olympics of 1988 are one of my first sporting memories that I remember watching as a 6 year old, so being there is person will be awesome...the food...the cultural experience and of course the historical links to the Korean War will all be amazing...

See you all on Sunday...

Jakub

Asian Experience

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I am really looking forward to learn as much I can in this trip to Korea. Food is great I hear - so yes , I am eager to have a taste of some Korean spice.

Visiting temples and the Blue house will just be an awesome experience. I can't wait to visit the schools and learn about the education system that Korea has. It just seems there is so much to learn about this wonderful country. My students are excited and just want me to get photos and stories of the boarder while my daughter has made a list with "hello kitty" stuffs.

Looking forward to meet people and learn new ideas .

Aman

Everything

I think my title sums up what I am looking forward to:  Everything. If I have to choose three main highlights they will be trying unusual food, attending a Korean bath house, ​and going to the DMZ.

It was great spending the day with my fellow Kiwi's 10 days ago. Looking forward to meeting the Aussies.

Sandy 

Are we there yet?

It's hard to say what I'm most looking forward to as I am excited about all of it! Just the fact we have this amazing opportunity to get to experience Korea first hand. One of the big highlights for me will be meeting the high school students and sharing a meal with a Korean family.

See you all bright and early on Sunday!

Shelley

A Teachable Moment

So today my flatmate earnestly checked with me that we weren't going to North Korea... She has now had a full briefing of the activities in order of excitement and is pleased to know we will go to the DMZ but no further. I am looking forward to going to the 38th parallel as I think it will give a whole new understanding to the divide between the Two Koreas and the impact that it has. My Year 9 students are eagerly awaiting lots of photos too. Otherwise I am really looking forward to the Stream Rehabilitation, trying all of the delicious food, experiencing Korean culture and the Cat Cafe! This time next week we will be there ... Can't wait!

Eleanor

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