Well, I hear that the RAS tour to Seorak-san National Park this weekend was very successful and good fun for the 27 guests who enjoyed the crisp blue skies. I myself Sobaek-san for the Baekdu-daegan Buseok-sa Temple-Stay Event, and it was stunning weather, Korea’s best… Anyway, here are some upcoming Royal Asiatic Society – Korea activities of interest to M-Holers:
Tonight! Tuesday October 23rd: RAS Lecture Meeting with a talk by Prof. Lee Don-su (Academia Coreana in Myongji University) on “Representation of the Korean Peninsula and Cartographic Perception as reflected in the Western Maps: From 16th century to 19th century.” He will discuss the cyclic interaction of information on and perceptions of Korea with the maps that non-Koreans drew of (or including) it — issues of “East Sea” and Dok-do are sure to come up, as this prof is a nationalist-activist on them. Our anti-Korean types are welcome to show up and argue with him during the question-time… Free for members, w5,000 donation requested from others. Resident’s Lounge, Somerset Palace, downtown Seoul.
This Sat-Sun Oct 27-28: JIRI-SAN National Park Tour – a weekend trip to one of Korea’s most-sacred mountains, and its oldest & largest National Park. In addition to the fantastic mountain scenery viewed from dramatic passes (the colorful autumn leaves should be outstanding on this weekend), we will visit both Hwaeom-sa and Ssanggye-sa — two of Korea’s most important Buddhist monasteries, with profound ancient granite artworks — and also the famous Cheonghak-dong (Blue Crane Village), home of two fascinating traditionalist religious groups. This tour will probably be guided by Tourism Professor David Mason, an expert on Jiri-san’s sacred traditions and treasures.
Sun Oct 28th: GANGHWA ISLAND (Kangwhado) Tour – Strategically located at the mouth of the Han River, Ganghwa-do served as an island-refuge for Korean royalty under Mongol siege, and was the scene of several historic naval / land battles, most notably with the French and American Navies, during the “opening” of Korea. Highlights include fortresses, a pre-historic dolmen, the important Jeondeung-sa Temple, and the oldest Episcopal Church in Korea. Led by retired History prof Dr. Kim Yong-duk, a senior expert on and resident of this scenic island.
Sat-Sun Nov 3-4: Gangneung City (Kangnung-shi) on the East Coast Tour – Including several fascinating Joseon Dynasty building-complexes and other sites. Led by expert on Korean architecture Peter Bartholomew; call office for details.
Sat-Sun Nov 10-11: Tongdo-sa and Haein-sa Temples Tour – This one trip will visit two out of Korea’s three “Treasure Temples.”
Sun Nov 18th: Yongmun-sa Temple at Mt. Yongmun-san Park Hiking Tour – the famous temple and the huge 600-year-old Gingko tree that towers over it. Then we’ll walk up the long scenic valley to a high hermitage.
Sat-Sun Nov 17-18: Land of Exile Tour: southern South Jeolla Province
Contact: http://www.raskb.com/ 763-9483, or raskb@kornet.net
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I really regret that I can not attempt the trip to Jiri-san due to having to work. *sigh* Jiri-san is still high on my list of places to visit. I have a small list of tea farms I want to stop by and say hello too.
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