Today, though relatively short compared to some of our days filled with activities from 9 am until 7 pm, was equally interesting. We started by exploring more of South Korea’s heritage through Joseon-era structures. First, we rode a charter bus to Suwon Fortress, a fortress in the same style as the other Joseon temples we have seen thus far.

Though this fortress had one key difference from the others. While other places like Gyeongbokgung Palace are separated from modern society by their walls, it wasn’t left isolated from the modern world. As we drove through the city streets, we passed the old fortress gate right on the road, a roadway that pierced the heart of this ancient fortress. It felt a little odd, as in most countries I have been to, the historical architecture is typically preserved and kept separate from modern society, but I guess it just goes to show what is done to expand a compact city like Seoul into satellite cities like the one around this fortress.

While we were there, we first made a reservation for archery, which was quite fun yet short. All 24 of us lined up, drew our bows and arrows, and attempted to hit one of the three targets in front of us. It was not the easiest thing to aim, as the bow had no sight and relatively low draw strength compared to the compound bows I have shot before, so aiming became a bit of guesswork and slight adjustments from previous shots. Out of the ten we fired, I think I landed about six, which I am pretty happy with, though it would have been fun if we could have gone a little longer.

We then walked around, explored, and walked along the fortress wall before heading to our next location, a sort of vacation home for the king. It was pretty cool to see, but very similar to many of the other Joseon-style buildings we had seen before. It was interesting to learn a little more about the architectural elements, like the king’s gate and road, versus the gates and paths for all the others who would have stayed there or attended to the king. Though this part did bring up a few thoughts and questions for me, like how often places are restored and whether any of the original temple remains, since all of it seems so perfect and not weathered, despite being mostly wood in a country with a lot of humidity and rain.

From there, we got back on our chartered bus and traveled to SIM (Samsung Innovation Museum). It was a very interesting, if a bit dystopian, experience, likely because we were really the only people in such a huge space. The tour started in a presentation room, where a video advertisement played, highlighting Samsung’s role in connecting the world. The screen rotated into many doorway-like openings, and we went through into the start of the museum, which had exhibits on the origins of electricity and the devices built since, from components like semiconductors to complete devices like a washing machine or TV.

We were then led into a showcase room with all the current devices they have brought and are planning to bring to market. Some of the things we saw were very advanced, like a monitor that syncs with the movement of your irises to create the illusion of 3D, or something as simple as the video features on their new phone, which auto-stabilize footage without the need for a gimbal.

The whole experience felt like one huge targeted advertisement for the whole range of Samsung products, but it was still super interesting to learn about what they are trying to develop.

Overall, it was another great day, and I am really looking forward to visiting the DMZ tomorrow. Coming from America and growing up, I have always heard of North Korea, but I never thought I would end up seeing it!