Week 2: The Nature of Korea

This past week, we spent some time taking a break from the hustle and bustle of busy Seoul and explored the beautiful nature that South Korea has to offer. We saw all different types of natural settings from a Confucian Shrine in the middle of Seoul to a river island about an hour away to a mountainous national park on the Eastern Coast. It was so cool to get to focus on all the different types of natural beauty that can be found in such a technologically advanced place. We also got a break from the rain this week which was perfect for all of our adventures!

The first stop on our nature tour was the Jongmyo Shrine which may have been the most surprising experience as it is in the center of Seoul but feels completely secluded once you enter. It is immediately much quieter, more peaceful, and more green right as you step in. It was also so interesting to hear about how different Confucian traditions are integrated into this shrine like the stone tablets being housed inside the buildings or the trails that only the spirits can walk on. 

The next day was Nami Island, which was just about an hour and a half away from Seoul. This was my personal favorite excursion of the week as it felt as though you stepped into a fairytale world when you stepped foot on the island. It had so much to explore that we sadly did not get to see everything, but that just means we have to come back again sometime! 

Next up was Mt. Seorak National Park and Naksana Temple. These were both on the Eastern coast of Korea, pretty much opposite of Seoul, so we had to take a three-hour bus ride to get here but it was so worth it. Seeing the fog over the mountain slowly melt away is an experience that I will never forget. 

Naksana Temple was truly a spiritual experience as it is a sprawling Buddhist temple that is all right along the coast. Seeing the integration of this temple with the natural world around it was amazing and very interesting as we are studying religion here. 

Ellie Grossman