Saturday: The Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch, RASKB, is going on an excursion to Gwangneung, Gyeonggi. The east coast city is the site of the tomb of King Sejo, the seventh king of the Joseon Dynasty. It is a great place to experience the beauty of the royal Joseon tombs. The grave itself is nestled amidst the pine trees of the the National Forest Reserve. King Sejo is regarded as one of the most successful reformers of the Joseon Dynasty, who made improvements in government, defense, literature and property laws. Despite all the good that he did once he gained power, Sejo is also infamous for having murdered his young nephew Danjong, the sixth king of Joseon, to usurp the throne. After checking out the tomb, the group will head for the frozen Sanjeong Lake. After lunch, participants can either go ice-skating or take a hike around the lake. The trip costs 35,000 won ($37) for members and 42,000 won for nonmembers. The bus will leave from Yongsan Post Office, near Sinyongsan Station, line No. 4, exit 1, at 8:30 a.m. The return is slated for around 7:30 p.m.
(02) 763-9483, www.raskb.com