Summary of Events

Overview
We enjoyed training at Chosun University, Kwangju National University, and Yongin University. The majority of our training was at Yongin University where we not only practiced taekwondo and yongmudo (hankido), but also judo, gumdo, tsirum (Korean wrestling), and taekkyon. The students and instructors at each school were extremely gracious and extended their warmest hospitality.

Chosun University
Arriving at Kwangju Airport at 9:30 pm, we were met by our host families. As we fought the effects of jet-lag, our enthusiastic hosts gave us a very warm reception. We departed the airport separately with our hosts, had dinner, and then slept soundly through the night.

The following day, we toured the campus, ate lunch, watched a demonstration of the various martial arts taught on campus, and enjoyed a vigorous workout with the taekwondo team. After our workout, we participated in several spirited matches before heading off to a lavish dinner at a local restaurant.

Kongju National University
We joined our hosts at Kongju National University on the afternoon of our third day in Korea. After unloading our gear and bags in our assigned dorm rooms, we attended traditional performances by members of the university music department. Following this, we participated in a workout and matches with the university taekwondo club. Kongju is different from the other universities we visited in that it doesn't have taekwondo "team"; the club is run similar to the taekwondo clubs in the U.S.; it's an extracurricular activity, not a degree-granting program.

Yongin University
As the alma-mater of both Dr. Min and Dr. Ur, Yongin has a palpable mystique for students at Berkeley and GW. With each visit, we are more amazed by the display of individual and collective skills of the students. Our comprehensive training included a variety of martial arts as well as general fitness drills. Without exaggeration, the highlight of the latter is the "run" up the side of the mountain that lies behind the campus. Completing this circuit is an accomplishment not soon forgotten as one portion requires use of the hand rope to continue the way up.

Sightseeing
The main portion of our sightseeing occurred at Yongin University because of our extended stay and the proximity to Seoul. The Yongin students escorted us through Yongin city, the Korean Folk Village, the Kukkiwon, the Seoul subway system, and Kyongbokkung.