Saturday: The Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch is planning a half-day tour this weekend to visit areas that until recently were heavily guarded. These sites in northern Seoul were off-limits to the public because of their close proximity to the previously fortress-like Blue House. But during the tenure of former President Kim Young-sam, public access to some of these places was increased.
The group will start with a stop at the Sarang Bang at Hyoja-dong in Jongno, central Seoul. It was originally the home of the Korean president’s top secretary, but is now open to the public, with displays of gifts received by Korean presidents during official visits abroad. The group will then visit Mugunghwa Park, once a private presidential garden. The trip will continue with a drive along the Bugak Skyway and a stop at Inwang Mountain, located behind the Blue House. The long years of closure have left the area pristine and unspoiled.
The trip will cost 18,500 won for members and 22,000 won for non-members. The bus will leave from Yongsan Post Office at 8:30 a.m. and return to Seoul at 1:30 p.m.
Sinyongsan Station, line No. 4, exit 1
For more information, call (02) 763-9483 or visit www.raskb.com.
EXPAT FLYERS: ONE DAY INTRODUCTORY FLYING COURSE
Saturday to Sunday: Expat Flyers will hold a weekend beginners’ course for people wanting to learn to fly an airplane with an English-speaking pilot.
There will be two ground school classes and then an opportunity to fly the airplane twice. All materials will be supplied by the club.
The event will take place on Saturday and repeated Sunday. People wishing to fly on both days are welcome. At the end of the weekend, participants should be able to accomplish some basic airplane maneuvers. All flights are carried out on the flying club’s Zenair 601 XL with an FAA-licensed commercial pilot from Britain.
Expat Flyers is based at the Daepyeong-ri Airfield in Daepyeong-ri, Cheongnam Province.
Visit www.expatflyers.net or call 010-4105-5585 for more information.