Yeoju Tour: Shilluk-Sa, Empress Myongsong’s Birthplace , and King Sejong’s Tomb

Today, the R.A.S. takes you to Yeoju, famous for temples and tombs. First, we will visit the birthplace of King Gojong’s murdered queen, known posthumously as theEmpress Myongsong. She was a great woman who strove to counterbalance the intrusion of external forces and promoted a policy of reform when foreign powers were struggling with each other to control the Korean Peninsula. She and the king used to enjoy meeting foreign residents and passing guests, such as Isabella Bird. She was especially close to the Underwood family; Mrs. Underwood served as her physician for a number of years. She was brutally assassinated by Japanese thugs in October 1895. We will visit the restored Min family home where she was born, a fine example of Joseon period domestic architecture, and the modern museum that houses some of her belongings.

Then we will travel to Shilluksa, a temple founded at the end of the 6th century by Wonhyo Daesa, the renowned monk and temple founder. Before going into the temple we will have lunch in a Korean restaurant just in front of it. On the premises are seven designated cultural treasures, which include lanterns, pagodas and temple buildings. A breathtaking panoramic view of the south Han river from a bluff near t the temple adds a pleasant touch to our visit here.

Our final stop is at the tomb of King Sejong, the Joseon dynasty's greatest ruler. His 32-year reign was perhaps the highest point in the Joseon Dynasty, and Sejong is best remembered for developing the unique Hangul script, which led to a much higher literacy rate for the Korean people.  His reign was known for its literacy, scholarly and other cultural achievements.King Sejong's tomb is considered an almost sacred spot by Koreans. In addition to the usual tomb features, such as stone lanterns, tablets, and figures, his resting place contains a museum emphasizing his achievements, as well as buildings used in the memorial ceremony held to honor him every October.

Cost of the tour is W43,000 for members and W51,600 for non-members, which covers transportation and entrance fees for the temples and museum.  The bus will leave from the Korean Yongsan Post Office (Subway line number 4, blue line, Sinyongsan Station #429 exit 1) at 8:30 a.m.and get back to Seoul at about 7:00 p.m.

TO: R.A.S.                                    

PLEASE RESERVE SPACE ON THE Yeoju Excursion ON SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012 FOR THE FOLLOWING:

NAME:_________________________________________ MEMBER____ NON‑MEMBER____

NAME:_________________________________________ MEMBER____ NON‑MEMBER____

PHONE NO. (Mobile)_________________________   (email)               ____________________

AMOUNT ENCLOSED:_______________________ SIGNATURE________________________

Please make a payment to the following account: Shinhan Bank Account #100-026-383501 (RAS-KB)