Today we headed off on our five day field trip across Korea to experience the Korean history and culture. After crossing the Han River, we arrived at Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon. Suwon is just south of Seoul and it was here in 1794 that the 22nd King of the Chosun Dynasty built a fortress as an act of filial devotion, to strengthen his power, eradicate party conflict, and fortify the southern area of the capital.
While exploring the fortress we all tried our hand at Korean archery. Archery has a long history in Korea. The first warriors on horseback brandishing bow and arrow were believed to be the Mongols. The Koreans, who are descendents of the Mongols, used the horse as a means of warfare during the Paekche Kingdom.








Next stop was the Gongju National Museum where we saw cultural treasures excavated from the tombs of Paechke Kings. King Muryeong’s (501-523) tomb artifacts are exhibited here along with the various other artifacts from the kingdom. I particularly enjoyed the golden necklace and earrings worn by King Muryeong’s Queen.

Off next to the Early Printing Museum in Cheongju. This was the most exciting part of the day for me. The history books need to be re-written for Korea was the first country to invent movable METAL type, printing the Jikji, a book on the sayings of Buddhist monks, 70 years BEFORE Gutenburg in Germany printed his Bible. I learned so much on the printing process and Korea's role in 3rd information age and it's leadership role as we enter the 4th Information age.