School field trip : Yeon Chon

It’s a rare and lovely day that schools in Korea send us teachers on field trips.

Today we were lucky enough to go to Yeon Chon city. Each city in Korea has a motto and Yeon Chon’s motto is ‘Star Yeon Chon’. The city is famous for its planetarium. With its lack of big city lights and secluded hill sides it is the perfect location for star gazing.

The trip started off with a tour of a village that was converted to a walking art gallery. The village is so small that there are only 5 surnames and the village has happily run itself for over 500 years.

The art itself was understated and interesting. It’s lovely to see a small village looking after itself in such an interesting way.

These were wishing stars the kids could draw on and leave in the ancient house that's said to have magical properties.

The next stop was a art center where the students could try their own hand at some art work. Namely a clock they were allowed to color in themselves.

The teachers were allowed to join in but also we got to sneak off and learn the Korean way of eating grapes. Grapes seem pretty straight forward. Buy and eat. But here in Korea it’s a different story. They suck out the middle and spit out the seeds. It is a bizarre way of eating and I love it. I’m glad someone told me before I arrived or I’d have looked like a fool. Who would guess that’s how you do it here?

We were then treated to a fantastic meal in a local restaurant. We had bean sprout bimbibap and it has better because of the twenty side dishes that came with it including aubergine, egg and amazing spiced tofu.

I wish I could find a place like this near my house as I’d eat there every day.

The non stop day didn’t let up for anyone and soon we were whisked away to the planetarium. The kids and I were allowed to take part in a great show (that required seat belts) as the floor moved around you to give the illusion of hurtling through space.

The kids seemed to really enjoy the day and it was nice to see them away from the stresses of the class room. I love how much English they learn outside the school.

IT was a fantastic day and I loved every part of it, especially the sleep on the bus on the way home. Heavenly!