Yet another fall semester is right here, and the campus is bubbling with activity because of the influx of a fresh batch of students. For most of the International students, who lay their feet in the land of Morning calm for the first time, Korean culture and tradition becomes one of the most mystical things which surely cannot be missed. Integrating successfully in any society needs an immense sense of understanding and appreciation towards its culture, tradition and beliefs. To facilitate and initiate the achievement of this objective, the ISSS (International Student and Scholar Services) joined hands with Organizer and Host Ð Chungnam Institute of History and Culture to organize a trip to the Myeongjae Korean Mansion and provide an insight into the lives of Chungcheong-do noblemen on the 20th and the 21st of September, 2014. This trip was open to participation by KAIST International students and faculty members and was sponsored by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Chungcheongnam-do.

The trip kicked off with an Introduction session where participants were made to be acquainted with the purpose of the event followed by a tour of the Chungnam Museum of History. After the tour, participants were taken to the Myeongjae old Korean Mansion and were introduced to the eldest grandson of the head family with a briefing session on mansion rules and regulations. A trip to some historical sites was followed by a delicious lunch. To the delight of participants, there was a separate session for preparing traditional Korean food for dinner at the Baek Ilhyeon Head House. The night lit up with a special lecture about the lives of Korean noblemen and the typical misconceptions that harbor in the minds of people. The most enthralling part of the whole trip was the concert of Traditional Korean Songs followed by Cloth Dyeing, an important element of the traditional Korean society, the next day. The final and the more daunting part of the program was the Archery activity to highlight the physical and meditation undertaken by the Noblemen. 

This was one of the few events which brought together so many elements of the traditional way of Korean life and is sure to foster the spirit of admiration and appeal for Korean culture in the hearts of all.