The Marmot’s Hole

Upcoming Royal Asiatic Society Korea activities of interest to M-holers:

Sat January 12th: Bugak-san Fortress Wall Hiking Tour in Seoul Join the RAS for one of the most classic and historical views you will ever see, in the clear winter air – right at the heart of Seoul!  We will climb up small-but-steep Bugak-san (North-Crags Mountain, right behind Gyeongbok Palace and the Blue House), and walk along the old restored fortress-walls and gates.  This hike was closed to the public for decades, and is now open only for pre-arranged groups, so this is your good chance.

Sun January 13th:  Hike to Mangwol-sa on Mt. Dobong-san in the Bukhan-san National Park (NE Seoul) 8:30 a.m.~1:30 p.m. - A chance to get out and beat the winter “blahs” with a two and a half hour hike in Bukhan-san National Park, hiking up a valley of Mt. Won-Dobong to the famous temple of Mangwol-sa, with scenic valley-views & rock-forms.

Tues January 15th:  Well-known 19th-20th-cen Historian-of-Korea Prof Lew Young-ik (PhD Harvard 1972, Chair of Korean Studies at Yonsei Univ GSIS, my fellow Governing Council Member of RAS-K) will give the first RAS Lecture of the year, on “Early Korean Encounters with the United States and Japan”.  That’s the title of his new book, published by the RAS-K, which will be offered for sale and autographing at the special discount price of w24,000 at the event.  His speech will provide an interesting overview of the six essays costituting this tome, each presenting new perspectives on the crucial events and personages of the 1860-1910 era.   7:30pm in the Resident’s Lounge of the Somerset Palace Residence near Anguk Metro Station, as usual.

Sat January 19th: Cheorwon County Tour A trip to the northern border region of South Korea, where we can see some of the remains of the conflict that divided the peninsula and visit an observation tower to peer across the border to the closed North Korea-region. During this time, many different birds migrate from China, like cranes and some other wild birds.

Sun January 20th: Snow Country Scenery Train Tour  7:45am ~ 8:57pm  This tour provides passengers an opportunity to enjoy “romantic snow scenery” winter days. There will be two rest stops along the way: Chujon Station (50 minutes) and Sungbu Station (1:35).

January is a great time to become an RAS Member, then get discounts on books and activities all year long. More info on any of this: our website and 963-9483 (banker’s hours).