Wednesday, April 28, 2010 Tour Bus to Mint

After breakfast with our new families, we boarded a fancy tour bus and drove a long distance to a money mint museum. We watched a video and obtained English translation tapes and ear phones. We listened to the history of money in Korea, as well as the rest of the world while touring the Komsco Mint Museum. Komsco makes passports and identification badges, as well as money. The company is very proud of its high level of technology and reputation for superb security.
Following a luncheon at the museum, our bus took us to a factory where alcoholic beverages are produced, packaged and delivered to distributors. At the end of the tour, we were allowed to sample the product, too, in a festive atmosphere!
Next, our bus took us to a museum dedicated to the excavation of the tomb of King Muryeong. It was the first known royal tomb in the world that identified its occupants. Muryeong became king at the age of 40 and ruled until his death at age 62. The tomb is about 1400 to 1500 years old and was excavated in 1971. It reveals an advanced civilization with outstanding artists.
Our last destination for the day was the Institute of Traditonal Korean Cultural Studies. It celebrates Korean culture and offers workshops for students and professionals. It teaches people to lead their lives as the owners of their lives. "Be a man doing good to others and the world, reigned by the truth. All people are linked together as one; you see energy flowing together. " These quotes were explained to us by our tour guide at the institute.
Following a delicious feast, we met with our new home stay families and went to their homes for refreshment and thanks for yet another fine day. A million thanks to our wonderful, generous home stay families!