An umbrella, your phone, notepad if you want to write information

Thanks to Funday Korea, I recently had the amazing opportunity to join a free two-day cultural trip to the beautiful city of Yeongju. This special experience was sponsored by the Korean government, operated by a local NGO, and guided by passionate locals who generously shared insights into the city’s rich heritage. Over the course of two days, we explored some of Yeongju's most meaningful UNESCO World Heritage Sites and participated in hands-on workshops that brought the city’s traditions to life. Our journey began at Buseoksa Temple, a breathtakingly peaceful place nestled in the mountains. The temple grounds were stunning, with lotus lanterns and glowing candles that added to the meditative atmosphere. It was clear that great care is taken to preserve the environment for prayer and reflection. Next, we visited Sosu Seowon, Korea’s first private Neo-Confucian academy. The beautiful setting, complete with a flowing stream, made it easy to imagine scholars of the past writing poems or reflecting on life’s deeper questions. Our guide explained how education was once a key path to improving one’s social status, and how the academy remains a powerful symbol of that pursuit. The visit to Sunheung Mural Tomb was one of the most fascinating and eerie parts of the trip. Inside the tomb, ancient murals—some dating back possibly to the Silla or Goguryeo dynasties—still remained, despite the challenges of humidity over time. We learned how scholars have interpreted these paintings, and about the earrings and tomb structure that help date the remains. Of course, the bones have since been carefully relocated, but the tomb continues to stand as a testament to the region’s deep history. One charming and unexpected detail throughout Yeongju was the presence of fox symbols. We learned that the local fox population has declined, and the city has taken steps to protect them—something reflected in the many cute fox motifs we saw along the way. This trip was not only educational but also moving, offering a real sense of Korea’s spiritual and intellectual legacy. Thank you, Funday Korea, for organizing such a thoughtful and enriching experience. I’ll definitely carry these memories with me for a long time.