메인메뉴 바로가기본문으로 바로가기
네이버 공유 카카오 공유 트위터 공유 페이스북 공유

Cultural Enrichment through Hands-on Experience

2007 KF Field Research and Graduate Studies Fellows visited Sosu Seowon, Bulguksa Temple, and the Buddha-carved image at Mt. Dongnam and learned about Korean education, culture, history, and religion.



Autumn at Sosu Seowon
While in middle school, I read Lu Xun’s essays. The essay that left a deep impression on me was entitled ”From Baicao Garden to Sanwei Study (從百草園到三味書屋).” Lu Xun thought that the seowon (Confucian school) which he attended as a young student was the most mysterious and beautiful paradise in the world. From that moment, I became fascinated with his description of the beautiful scenery and fell into an imaginary world of the seowon. I thought it would be so delightful to study in such a place, even for just a day. And finally this autumn, my long-cherished dream came true.
Intrigued by the charm of Sosu Seowon, even before entering through its gate, I could not move a step forward. Jukgyesu stream flowed silently alongside Sosu Seowon. They say it merges with Hwangjicheon stream, which originates in Taebaek, to form the winding Nakdong River. Jukgyesu is also the backdrop for ”Jukgyebyeolgok (Song of Jukgye),” written by An Chuk of Goryeo. Along with its poetic elegance, Jukgye also s an impressive setting for the Gyeongnyeomjeong pavilion. The pavilion includes a rock monument onto which the Chinese character gyeong(敬) has been engraved in red on its surface. Representing the fundamental philosophy of Confucianism, gyeongcheonaein(敬天愛人) (revere heaven and love people), it was hoped that this principle would be spread far and wide by the flowing waters of Jukgyesu.
The buildings of Sosu Seowon are arranged in a relatively informal manner. This arrangement of buildings gives you a sense of adventure as you wander about the grounds. Within the seowon, there are spaces where you can study in quiet and also enjoy the simple pleasure of looking out at the gorgeous natural scenery. Sosu Seowon is an exemplary institution of education where young students cultivated their dreams. Despite times of hardship, for hundreds of years, it continues to serve the original purpose of its establishment and remains a source of personal inspiration. The graceful scenery of Sosu Seowon in autumn will forever remain deep in my heart.

Gong Weina, Graduate Studies Fellow,
M.A. Candidate at the Dept. of Korean Language Education,
Seoul National University


A Beautiful Journey to the Past
The field trip to Yeongju and Gyeongju was like a ”time travel” for me, in several regards. First, it was a very informative tour of some of the most important and beautiful historical sites in Korea. Second, on a personal level, it was a return to Gyeongju, where I had previously visited in 1995. Third, the cultural experiences during the trip ― the ink print (takbon) and the woodwork-making ― was a return to my childhood.
The first stop, Yeongju, is an intersection of major periods of Korean history. We had a glimpse of Jeoson cultural life when we visited Sosu Seowon, a Confucian academy, in Yeongju. Yi Hwang, one of the foremost Confucian scholars of the Jeoson Dynasty, taught at the school, while An Hyang, who is also from Yeongju, introduced neo-Confucianism to the Goryo Kingdom.
Gyeongju was a journey to the heart of the Unified Silla’s cultural treasures. Bulguksa Temple is perhaps the most representative treasure of that era, and, one might argue, of Korean history overall. In other words, my interest and discovery of Korea began in Gyeongju. Twelve years ago, I visited Gyeongju on my own. It was a very special moment, my own entry into Korea’s past, and the start of my love for Korea.
On this trip, our visit to Seokguram Grotto was an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent Korean autumn to its fullest extent.
On the last day, we had a memorable cultural experience ― ink printing on old-style ceramic tile, related to United Silla, of course ― and woodwork making of a pair of wild geese. Besides the fact that you could have a firsthand experience of learning a traditional Korean craft, it was also a reminder of what I had done in elementary school in Bulgaria. In that sense, the cultural experience at Gyeongju Hilton brought back my childhood memories.
The delightful experiences during the trip would have not been complete without the sharing of these pleasures with wonderful people who are committed, in one way or another, to the learning and understanding of Korea.

Avram Asenov Agov, Field Research Fellow,
Ph.D Candidate at the Dept. of History, UBC, Canada


Getting Closer to Korea
The recent autumn field trip was really meaningful and left me with pleasant memories. I had gotten tired with studying and adapting myself to life in Korea, so the trip provided me with a great opportunity to take a break and have time to revitalize myself.
The site I found to be the most impressive during the trip was Sosu Seowon. I could sense the driving force behind Korea’s development at Sosu Seowon and Seonbichon. I think the remarkable development of Korea was possible because the Korean people considered education to be so important and endlessly pursued knowledge, even in the most difficult times.
Visiting Buseoksa Temple, I could understand the Korean people’s love for nature, especially the mountains where they can enjoy tranquility, which is part of the foundation of their everyday life and philosophy. I felt a sense of exhilaration while viewing the marvelous scenery around Buseoksa.
After viewing Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the National Museum of Gyeongju, I could easily appreciate the excellence of Korea’s artistic aesthetics, although its number of cultural properties was fewer than that of China. I thought for the first time about how beautiful Buddha could be as I marveled at the impressive Buddha statue at Seokguram. Then, my fatigue seemed to simply dissipate at Aqua World. I took many photographs during the trip, which I will show to my students when I return home.
Throughout the trip, I enjoyed various kinds of delicious food. The Foundation made much effort to introduce us to a variety of representative Korean foods. I also found the hands-on cultural experience very meaningful. When I return to China, I will keep the print images and woodwork that I made in my study as reminders of this wonderful experience. I also made many friends from various countries, who I will continue to keep in touch with.
I would like to thank Mr. Park Gwang-il, our enthusiastic guide, whose explanations of Korean culture and history were very helpful, even as his voice became somewhat hoarse. The field trip was very enjoyable and informative, and I intend to do my best to study hard in Korea for the remainder of my fellowship period.

Wen Lihua, Field Research Fellow,
Lecturer of Korean Language, College of Foreign Languages,
Beijing University of Technology, China

SEARCH

통합검색

통합검색버튼
통합검색닫기

전체메뉴

전체메뉴 닫기