A Journey Through Time at Hwaseong Fortress

Our Gwanggyo Culture Connect (GCC) program began on a perfect day in late June, just before the monsoon rains arrived. Friends from around the world—South Africa, Pakistan, Canada, the UK, and Korea—gathered for a cultural adventure.

Our day started with a magical trolley ride around the magnificent Hwaseong Fortress. As we circled the ancient stone walls, the breeze provided a welcome relief from the summer heat, and conversations began to flow. New friendships were already forming against a backdrop of history. We then stepped into the past at Hwaseong Haenggung, the temporary palace of King Jeongjo. The traditional architecture was stunning, and our Korean members enjoyed sharing the stories behind the beautiful buildings.

To escape the heat, we ducked into the cool, modern Suwon Art Museum next door. The contrast between the ancient palace and contemporary art sparked conversations about Korea's unique identity. Of course, no adventure is complete without food! We shared a meal of Kalguksu and Donkatsu, and the laughter over some of our international friends' first encounter with Korean spice was a highlight.

We ended our day at a charming Hanok cafe, sitting in a circle and sharing our thoughts. This kick-off event set the perfect tone for the rest of our GCC journey—a blend of history, art, food, and most importantly, friendship.