Sharing Memories of a Two-Day Field Trip with Senior Students

Yeosu Mipyung Comprehensive Social Welfare Center Visits Gyeongju, Jinju, and Yeosu
A Field Trip Rekindles School Memories from 50 Years Ago

This year in March, the "Life School Like a Picnic" at Yeosu Mipyung Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, which opened its doors this year, embarked on its most meaningful and memorable field trip. The participants created precious memories by reminiscing about experiences from over 50 years ago, traveling to Gyeongju and Jinju, and visiting the Yeosu Aeyangwon Memorial Hall.

On the first day, they visited Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Cheonmachong Tomb, all World Cultural Heritage sites that preserve the breath of a thousand years. Returning to the days of their youth, they danced and enjoyed themselves like schoolgirls, recalling their innocent and carefree days from 50 years ago.

On the second day, they visited Jinju Fortress and watched a 3D video at the Jinju Museum about the Imjin War. They paid tribute to General Kim Si-min and the Honam volunteer soldiers who died heroically and nobly in the second battle of Jinju Fortress. As people from Honam, they passionately called out the names of the volunteer leaders in the video, expressing their determination and support.

Looking at Chokseokru Pavilion and Uiam Rock, they remembered Lady Non Gae, who, in 1593, avenged her country and her husband, volunteer leader Choi Kyunghoe, by embracing a Japanese general during the victory celebration and jumping into the Nam River, sacrificing herself at the age of nineteen. Some were moved to tears at the memory.

On the way back to Yeosu, they visited the Aeyangwon Chapel and History Museum, symbols of Yeosu's Christian spirit and the martyrdom of Pastor Son Yangwon. There, they commemorated the day he embodied the spirit of philanthropy and prayed together in remembrance.

Kim Youngja, an 80-year-old student who participated in the field trip, said, "I was so happy that I couldn't sleep at night. I bragged about it to my children. I thought I would never go on a field trip again, but the welfare center took me even though I am over eighty. I am deeply grateful to the point of tears. For a moment, I felt like a middle school girl again. Thank you so much for giving me an unforgettable memory."

Kim Jongwon, Director of Mipyung Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, said, "Through this field trip, I wanted to give our senior students the most beautiful memories and hope to cherish in their hearts. Seeing how happy they are, I promise to organize more picnics and field trips next year as well. I will always support the joyful journeys of our seniors."

Meanwhile, the "2025 Life School Like a Picnic" operated by Mipyung Comprehensive Social Welfare Center offers a variety of programs in Korean language, art, music, physical education, and science every week from Monday to Thursday.