First day, having breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriott in Seoul.
After breakfast, we took a tour of Gyeongbok Palace and the National Folk Museum. Here's our first group pic on the Palace grounds.
For lunch we went where the locals go, "Chon," in Insa-dong. We had large variety of banchan and our stomachs were satisfied!
We took a quick visit to the remarkable Dongdaemun Design Center.
Dongdaemun Design Center
We ended our day with a fabulous dinner at Donugak, just walking distance from our hotel.
The main dish was grilled pork surrounded by a wide array of tasty banchan.
We traveled south to see King Muryeong's tomb. King Muryeong ruled the Baekje Kingdom from 501 to 523.
We visited Jeonju to see the Jeonju Hanok Village. Half of our group dressed up in Hanbok (traditional Korean outfits) and we all had fun!
Hanbok dress-up
We ended the day with bibimbap which is said to have originated from Jeonju.
Bibimbap dinner
Class of 2024 at the Wol-bong Seowon Academy! We got the chance to wear classical scholar’s clothing and made old style books.
Picking some Japanese pear from a local farm.
Japanese pear picking
Half the group decided to start the day with a 60 minute facial or body massage at The Trinity Spa in Suwon.
The Trinity Spa
We visited the Korean Folk Village, a living museum that recreates the lifestyles of past centuries.
There are 260 traditional houses and a small amphitheater for folk music and dance performance.
Korean Folk Village performance
Finishing the day with a dinner with a view of the Han River.
Han River views
Han River views
We also celebrated Shirley's birthday!