GYEONGGI PROVINCE, South Korea - The spirit of cooperation between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea enjoy a strength that comes from decades of shared goals and mutual interests. For U.S. soldiers stationed on the Peninsula, that relationship extends to a more personal level as they integrate with Korean society. No longer merely friendly forces, they have become partners, neighbors and friends.
The Korean phrase Katchi Kapshida, meaning “we go together,” is symbolic of this relationship and a common slogan for many of the community outreach programs of the 2nd Infantry Division. While many soldiers and their families are likely familiar this facet of continuing relationship-building, there is another part of which they may be less aware.
The administration of Gyeonggi province, the region on the peninsula that hosts the 2nd Infantry Division forces, regularly schedules a unique cultural awareness tour for soldiers and families. Including many aspects of local culture and history that may not be immediately apparent near U.S. military installations, the tours provide an excellent opportunity to embrace the heart of Katchi Kapshida, especially since the people of Gyeonggi province offer the entire experience humbly, quietly and free-of-charge.
“[We] have been providing this service to 2ID soldiers and families since 2005,” said Dr. Jinnie Bae, coordinator of the program and a member of the provincial government staff for military cooperation. “We want to support soldiers while they’re stationed in Korea and to help build a stronger relationship between the USFK and Gyeonggi-do.”
The tour comes in one- and two-day itineraries, boasting visits to areas of historical significance and a snapshot-view of some of the cornerstones of Korean cultural identity.
The tours can take you to Hwaseong Fortress, a visit to Gyeongbok Palace, lessons on the history of Korean ceramic tradition and an opportunity to craft your own, traditional Korean cuisine for each meal, a tour of a kimchi factory with the opportunity to make your own, and an afternoon at a Buddhist temple where participants are served tea and guided through meditation by a Buddhist monk.
For those who enjoy a slightly lighter fare, other events include an afternoon in Insadong, one of Seoul’s famous market districts, a show featuring Nanta, a unique type of percussion-based performance art, and even a trip to a special museum shaped like a gigantic toilet.
No matter your taste, the tour is an enlightening experience for all involved, said Maj. L. Scott Engrav, a civil-military plans and operations officer with the division civil affairs office.
“It provides an introduction to a broad cross section of Korean history, culture and food, as well as the fully modernized nation it has become,” he said of his experience while on one of the tours. “It was fun. If you have a chance to participate, take it. It’s free. You can’t beat it.”
For individuals who want to learn more about their host nation’s rich and ancient history, the cultural tour provided by Gyeonggi province offers an excellent opportunity to experience a different side of Korea. Any questions on the program should be directed to the division civil affairs office at 732-6210.
| Date Taken: |
08.10.2012 |
| Date Posted: |
08.14.2012 04:09 |
| Story ID: |
93161 |
| Location: |
GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], KR |
| Web Views: |
118 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Gyeonggi province: A Korean cultural experience, by Levi Spellman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Subscribe
