The expedition began as participants gathered at the pedestrian gate, eager to step back into Korea's storied past. All were welcomed by the We Go Together Association, a member of U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys’ Good Neighbor Program. Each participant was given a bag full of goodies: doughnuts, Hodu-gwaja walnut cookies, and water to set the morning off right.

With their breakfast snacks in tow, the group loaded onto Pyeongtaek’s new city bus trolley, a blend of modern technology and classic charm. As passengers step aboard, they were immediately enveloped in the warm, inviting atmosphere. The new trolley bus successfully marries the nostalgia of bygone eras with the functionality of modern transit, creating a unique and pleasant travel experience for its passengers, perfect for a deep dive into the rich culture of Pyeongtaek and the heritage of the Joseon Dynasty.

The first stop was the Jeongdojeon Ancestral Shrine, a public school from the Joseon era. Here, visitors gained invaluable insights into the history of Jeong Dojeon (정도전), also known as Sambong, a key figure in founding the Joseon Dynasty. Tourgoers learned of the educational practices and philosophies that shaped the minds of Korea’s historical elite. Tourgoers also saw preserved architecture and artifacts, which offered a tangible connection to the scholarly pursuits of centuries past. While looking around the complex structures, tour participants explored the museum, where they had the chance to practice skills with woodblock engravings. During the visit, the school held a ceremony to honor Sambong, which included traditional attire from the period.

Jung Do-jeon, also known by his pen name Sambong, has many personal artifacts at the Jinwee-Hyanggyo including woodblocks used as printing blocks to produce his writing. Woodblock printing was a common method for reproducing texts in Korea during this period. It involved carving text onto wooden blocks, which were then inked and pressed onto paper. The woodblocks may have contained Jung Do-jeon's political treatises, philosophical works, and historical records related to his life and contributions

Next, the tour ventured to the Jinwee-Hyanggyo and Shrine of Jung Do Jeon, a renowned scholar and influential politician of the Joseon Dynasty. As the group explored the sacred grounds, they learned about Jung’s significant contributions to Korean politics and philosophy, understanding how his ideas continue to resonate in modern Korean society.

The group toured a Confucian school called hyanggyo, which were public schooling institutions in the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Among the participants were the Mighell family who just arrived at their new duty assignment from Texas. Eager to learn more about Korean culture, the family fervently listened to the tour guides. 

The Mighell children enjoyed sitting in the local school room and playing traditional children’s games with other Korean school children who were on a separate school tour.

Emmitt and Haylee Mighell, son of Staff Sgt. Tanner Mighell, Combat Engineer with 55th Combat Engineer Company,  explored how Korean children learned during the Joseon Dynasty including touring a traditional school room and playing games from the period. 

Midday brought the group to a grilled short ribs restaurant. As the tour group savored the rich flavors of galbi-tang, a traditional Korean rib soup, the group delved deeper into Korean culture. The meal satisfied appetites but also provided a taste of authentic Korean cuisine, bridging the gap between past and present through shared cultural traditions.

Kacie and Haylee Mighell, spouse and daughter of son of Staff Sgt. Tanner Mighell, Combat Engineer with 55th Combat Engineer Company,   smiled as they enjoyed galbi-tang for the first time since their arrival to Korea from Texas.

Spicy galbi-tang was a favorite among the group. Tanner Mighell enjoyed seaweed-wrapped rice, rib meat, and the soup’s broth.

The afternoon’s itinerary led to the Tomb of General Won Gyun, a notable military figure from the Joseon Dynasty. This solemn site offered a moment of reflection on the martial history of Korea and the individuals who shaped its course through turbulent times. While there, participants visited a museum dedicated to Gen. Won-Gyun, which displayed many artifacts, including scrolls documenting his long military career, noting his tactical and strategic prowess on the battlefield.

The many artifacts at the shine of Gen. Won-Gyun are on display for visitors. 

The day’s adventure through time concluded with a visit to Sopung Jeongon, a picturesque picnic garden. There, the tour group ate ice cream and strolled the grounds with new friends. Here, amidst nature’s tranquility, participants had the opportunity to contemplate the day’s historical journey, discussing their newfound knowledge and appreciation for Pyeongtaek’s rich cultural heritage. 

As the trolley bus returned to Camp Humphreys, passengers carried with them not just souvenirs, but a deeper understanding of the Joseon Dynasty’s enduring legacy. This immersive tour served as a vivid reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural history, offering a bridge between past and present for all who participated. 

Nearly everyone on the tour would agree that cultural exchanges are extremely important for U.S. military personnel and their families stationed in the Republic of Korea. Cultural tours like this one fostered a deep understanding of customs and traditions by exploring local treasures within the community. Likewise, participating in cultural activities allowed military personnel and their families to interact with Korean citizens in a non-military context, creating positive relationships and goodwill between the two nations. A better understanding of the cultures improves communication and cooperation between the U.S. and Korean counterparts, enhancing overall mission effectiveness. Exposure to a different culture broadens perspectives, increases empathy, and contributes to personal growth and development. Service members and their dependents serve as unofficial ambassadors. Their positive interactions positively impact the overall image of the U.S. in Korea.

By fostering mutual understanding and respect, cultural exchanges contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region. Peace and stability are the mission that so many have fought to preserve. Through organizations like the We Go Together Association, we can accomplish it together.

Katchi Kapshida! 같이갑시다

[NAVER Map]

Jeongdojeon Ancestral Shrine

Eunsan-ri, Jinwi-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do

https://naver.me/I55bMZeO

[NAVER Map]

Jinwihyanggyo Confusion School

166 Bongnam-ri Jinwi-myeon Pyeongtaek-si Gyeonggi-do

https://naver.me/5yPokKN0

[NAVER Map]

Wongyun General Tomb

82 San, Doyil-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do

https://naver.me/xbAZtpCK

[NAVER Map]

Sopung Garden

476-20 Gungri, Godeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do

https://naver.me/IItIXtuX

About the Author

Jetta Allen is an Army spouse stationed at USAG Humphreys. Since she arrived in 2019, she has contributed to numerous organizations in a volunteer capacity. She began her journey with United on the RoK Magazine in 2022 as an author of a support column for adults and children enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Two years later, she is an accomplished author, photographer, and content creator fulfilling the role of editor in chief at United on the RoK Magazine. She loves nature, travel, and culture, but most of all, making memories with her family. As a military spouse, Jetta understands the importance of community and how being connected can help one find the resources and networks that help them thrive.