Upcoming Royal Asiatic Society–Korea activities of interest to M-holers:
Tomorrow Tuesday 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. Free for Members, w5000 donation requested from others.
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).
Sat January 26th: Winter Break Tour – Gwangneung and Sanjeong-ho Lake This excursion will help to cure the case of “cabin fever!” Our tour will take us to Gwangnung, the tomb of King Sejo and his queen, located in the picturesque National Forest Reserve, and the enchanting Sanjong Lake to enjoy skating and hiking.
Sun January 27th: Sogni-san National Park Tour with Beobju-sa Temple
Today we’ll take a bus to visit Beobju-sa, one of Korea’s largest and most-scenic Buddhist temples, site of the only surviving five-story wooden pagoda and also Korea’s largest standing bronze Buddha, set against the stunning natural beauty of Mt. Songni.
January is a great time to become an RAS Member, then get discounts and information on books and activities all year long. More info on any of this: our website and 963-9483 (banker’s hours).
