Jul 7: The group is complete, but there is still two Koreas

This was a rather emotional day as I learned what the Independence Hall represented in Korea. The Independence Hall of Korea according to the guest speaker is a place devoted to display Korean history, and also focuses on the independence movements of the Japanese colonial period. I could tell that the Korean speaker had an emotional tie with the Japanese not apologizing to Korea, because during the end of the tour, that was all I could remember about her lecture.



Our Host For the Independence Hall

The most touching part about the Independence Hall was when our host told us about the purpose of The Monument to the Nation. The monument resembles praying hands for the progress of Korea and the reunification of North and South Korea. Currently, there is a gap between the hands, because North and South Korea are still separated. I stood there for a moment to appreciate the representation that touched my heart.


The Monument to the Nation


Right to Left: Statue of Indomitable Koreans,
Monument to the King Gwanggaetok the Great,
and Taegeuk Square


The Sauna looked something like this one.

“Americans are so shy!” said our Chinese Friends.

For the first time in my life I stepped into a spa and it only cost me five American dollars.

I am so excited!
Oh wait! . . . .
What? We have to be NAKED!

Sorry, no cameras allowed so you will have to take my word for it. After a while of contemplating in the locker room if I wanted to strip down to my birthday suit, I decided to join the girls for a real spa experience. I really enjoyed the soothing effect of the tea bath, sauna, and swimming pool. I discovered that going to the spa was common practice amongst Korean women. Korean people view going to the spa as a process of health care. I guess they feel the same way in China, because my Chinese friends were all familiar with a spa. They were also surprised when I told them that a day at the spa in the United States would easily cost them $200.

-Nancy
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-Mike