Column
2022 Textbook Seminar for Educators of Ecuador
Traveling to South Korea
There are many places in the world to explore, and South Korea is a place that is deeply close to my soul and to my heart. At the end of October we had the opportunity to travel there thanks to the kind invitation of the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) and to learn about their culture and history. We were warmly welcomed upon our arrival, and we headed to the AKS facilities. I was first delighted to see the conference banners and our flag together with the South Korean flag, which made me feel at home. The organization of the AKS is to be admired; in each room were folders with all the necessary information and even images, which was extremely helpful. From the hospitality to the facilities, they were all excellent, and I am extremely thankful for that.
The following day we had morning meetings during which AKS shared information regarding the South Korean requirements for Ecuadorian publishers, and each of the publishers got to explain the work that has been done and the alliances existing between the two countries. The event was extremely beneficial since we were able to apply the information contained in our textbooks and to learn so much about the geography and history of Korea. We had two afternoon lectures on "Korean History in Cultural Heritage" and "History of South Korean Economic Development and LAC-Korea Economic Relationship," with both lecturers sharing a very comprehensive overview. Both lectures were complementary to each other, and I was able to understand the reason Korea has made significant progress in recent years and the changes that Korea has undergone between each dynasty including the different wars. The lectures were extremely enriching.
Finally, we visited three different places in Korea thanks to AKS's hospitality. First, we visited Gyeongju where we personally experienced the history of Korea. All the places were wonderful, and one that I loved was the Seokguram Grotto because it reflects the Buddhist religious spirit and the importance of Buddhism in the country. We then went to Busan where we experienced a change of environment and went to the beach; a particularly very nice experience was the hospitality and joy of all the citizens. Busan is beautiful and very cosmopolitan, and I surely want to come back to continue visiting for a longer period of time. Finally we went to its capital, Seoul, where we enjoyed a wonderful visit to the Insa-dong neighborhood and got to treat ourselves to the famous 10 bread, which is very tasty especially for those of us who like cheese. There, we were able to learn about Korean gastronomy and culture as well as buy some souvenirs.
Visiting Korea was a truly enriching, unforgettable experience. I am really grateful to AKS for their kindness and hospitality, and I look forward to their visit to Ecuador as well. There is much to learn from Korea.
The following day we had morning meetings during which AKS shared information regarding the South Korean requirements for Ecuadorian publishers, and each of the publishers got to explain the work that has been done and the alliances existing between the two countries. The event was extremely beneficial since we were able to apply the information contained in our textbooks and to learn so much about the geography and history of Korea. We had two afternoon lectures on "Korean History in Cultural Heritage" and "History of South Korean Economic Development and LAC-Korea Economic Relationship," with both lecturers sharing a very comprehensive overview. Both lectures were complementary to each other, and I was able to understand the reason Korea has made significant progress in recent years and the changes that Korea has undergone between each dynasty including the different wars. The lectures were extremely enriching.
Finally, we visited three different places in Korea thanks to AKS's hospitality. First, we visited Gyeongju where we personally experienced the history of Korea. All the places were wonderful, and one that I loved was the Seokguram Grotto because it reflects the Buddhist religious spirit and the importance of Buddhism in the country. We then went to Busan where we experienced a change of environment and went to the beach; a particularly very nice experience was the hospitality and joy of all the citizens. Busan is beautiful and very cosmopolitan, and I surely want to come back to continue visiting for a longer period of time. Finally we went to its capital, Seoul, where we enjoyed a wonderful visit to the Insa-dong neighborhood and got to treat ourselves to the famous 10 bread, which is very tasty especially for those of us who like cheese. There, we were able to learn about Korean gastronomy and culture as well as buy some souvenirs.
Visiting Korea was a truly enriching, unforgettable experience. I am really grateful to AKS for their kindness and hospitality, and I look forward to their visit to Ecuador as well. There is much to learn from Korea.
