#Day 1

Monday, 3 September 2012

Day #1

Arrival at Korea

The Edgefield TKD CCA comprising of 29 students, 2 teachers and 2 instructors embarked on a learning journey to Seoul on Monday, 3 September. The group arrived in Seoul, Korea at approximately 8am. This is the photo of Group 1 led by Ms Tan Sio Ling. Our members comprised of Mohd Hanis, Cindy, Ying Hsia, Amirah, Ryan (Group Leader), Lynn, Tze Xuan, Jing Yi and Wei Qian.

The Gyeongbok Palace

After we left the airport, we set off to our next destination, the majestic Gyeongbok palace. There, we witnessed the changing of guards. It was a brilliant performance performed by the ex-military soldiers!!! 

The Changing of Guards

Witnessing the changing of guards was indeed a spectacular sight! As the drummers drummed along to a lively tune, the guards marched up front to take over the assigned positions from the guards of the earlier shift. The shift would then last for an hour before the next groups of guards take over their duties. It was no regret watching it!
 

This picture above was the breakfast served to everybody in the airplane. This dish is called the “bibimbak”. It comes with preparation process before it is ready to consume. First, you have to pour the cooked rice into the bowl mixed with beef and vegetables. Next, add in the hot sauce and the sesame oil into the same bowl. Mix them well and it is ready to be eaten.

This picture above showed the lunch that was being served to us in a Korean restaurant. The dishes consisted of Korean kimchi , fried fish , cold salad , vegetable kimchi soup and many more.  They were all delicacies from Korea and most of the dishes were spicy but delicious!

After lunch, the group visited Seoul Physical Education School to find out more about its curriculum. This is one of our friends, Lee Ting, trying out shooting at the school’s rifle range. It was not easy as the pistol was very heavy. However, with great concentration, she managed to hit the target.

The school has many sports facilities to nurture children in different sports such as swimming, diving and gymnastics. The school used to be the 1988 Olympic Park. The sports facilities in the Park are now used as a training ground for the students to practice.

After dinner, we headed to our hotel to do our reflections. One thing that we can improve on is to give respect to the teachers, coaches and the tour guide by greeting or bowing to them whenever we see them.

That’s the end of day 1. Time to sleep. Annyeong!