Gwangju International Center

The 9th Gwangju Tour with Global Friends 

written and pictures by Jonathan Blaney 

 The Gwangju Tour with Global Friends was a fun and interactive experience that allowed people from all over the world to develop friendships while exploring the rich cultural gifts that Gwangju has to offer. 

 We began our tour with getting into our teams and deciding the team leaders and then headed off to the bus. Our first destination was the Hyanggo Confucian School, where we learned about traditional Korean customs and performed a traditional Korean wedding. 

 The opportunity to try on Hanbok and perform in the traditional Korean wedding was so much fun! The Hyanggyo 

Confucian school was a bonding experience that was both education and fun, especially dancing and singing 아리랑! After enjoying tea and snacks, we got on the bus and went to Yangnimdong. 

 After a brief and informative stop at Yangnimdong Vistors Center, we all headed to the restaurant for lunch and enjoyed the delicious bibimbab. 

 With our full stomachs we were ready for the rest of the day! In Yangnimdong we first visited the beautiful traditional Korean house and saw the unique architecture and enjoyed the cherry blossom trees. 

 Once we had our fill of cherry blossoms and group photos we headed towards Penguin Village. Filled with unique art and artifacts from the past, Penguin Village was the perfect location for our first team game.

 After the game was explained, teams were rushing with excitement and asking local bystanders for the answers to the mysterious objects shown in the photographs. It was a great time! 

 As the game came to a close, we enjoyed some ice cold desserts and then went to Gwangju's first Christian church. 

 Visiting the church was peaceful and relaxing experience after running around Penguin village and held very interesting history. With the temperature rising, we took a brief walk to the cool and beautiful art museum and appreciated the various paintings. 

 With all the movement and activity in Yangnimdong, we all headed to the bus for a quick rest before our next destination. Yangnimdong proved to be a very unique and fun place to visit in Gwangju. 

Once we were on the bus we began to head toward Yangdong market, on the way enjoying all of the beautiful cherry blossoms. Upon arrival, we started our next team game, the scavenger hunt! With all of the unique items sold at Yangdong market, this proved to be a fun challenge for all. 

 Working as teams, we each hunted down the items needed and with the help of vendors and team members, we completed the mission! Once the hunt was completed, we had some time to wander in Yangdong market and eat some delicious snacks, such as freshly made 호떡!

 Once points were counted we headed back on the bus to the GIC headquarters to wrap up our tour.

 After a long day of developing friendships and learning about Gwangju, we received awards and enjoyed snacks. This was truly a memorable experience filled with great people and good times.

 As a volunteer on this tour for the first time it was by far the most fun tour experience I have had. It was mostly getting to meet such a great group of people and experience so much fun while learning a lot about Gwangju. I feel very thankful to have met all the people and assist with taking photos and guiding the group. Thanks for such a fun time!!! 

 ↑ Jonathan Blaney, he was the volunteer for the Gwangju Tour with Global Friends on March 31st. ^^