Written by Marissa Mirouse
Nestled just outside the bustling metropolis of Seoul, Gyeonggi-do is a region where nature, tradition, and adventure come together to create the perfect setting for immersive learning experiences. Recently, Adventure Korea had the privilege of organizing a three-day, two-night trip for an international school from Incheon, designed to foster teamwork, cultural understanding, and personal growth through a series of engaging and meaningful activities. From feeding baby sheep at a ranch to kimchi-making and temple hikes, this trip was more than just a getaway, it was a journey of discovery, collaboration, and fun.
For the students, this trip was an opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the great outdoors, where they could connect with nature, learn new skills, and bond with their classmates in ways that simply aren’t possible within walls. Each activity was carefully designed to challenge them physically and mentally, teach them about Korean culture and traditions, and encourage them to work together as a team. By the end of the trip, the students returned to Incheon with new friendships, a deeper appreciation for rural life, and memories they’ll cherish for years to come.
The first day of the trip was all about immersion in nature and teamwork. The students started their adventure at a local ranch in Gyeonggi-do, where they had the chance to interact with a variety of animals, including sheep, ostriches, alpacas, rabbits, and chickens. This was a hands-on experience that allowed the students to feed the animals, pet the baby sheep, and learn about ranch life from the farmers.
After the ranch, the students headed to a nearby lake for one of the most exciting and challenging activities of the trip : dragon boat racing and kayaking.
The students were divided into teams and assigned to long, traditional dragon boats, each with a drummer at the front to set the pace while the rest of the team had to row in unison, matching their strokes to the rhythm. At first, the boats wobbled and struggled to move forward, as the students fumbled with their oars and lost sync. But as they listened to the drum, communicated with each other, and adjusted their movements, the boats began to glide smoothly across the water.
This activity was a powerful lesson in teamwork. The students quickly realized that success depended on everyone working together, if even one person was out of sync, the whole boat slowed. By the end of the race, the teams were cheering, laughing, and celebrating their newfound coordination. The experience taught them the importance of trust, communication, and perseverance, skills that are just as valuable in the classroom as they are on the water.
After the dragon boat race, the students paired up for tandem kayaking. Each kayak required two people to paddle in harmony, which meant the students had to communicate, balance their movements, and support each other to keep the kayak moving straight. Some pairs struggled at first, veering off course or bumping into each other, but they quickly learned to adjust their strokes and work as a team.
As they paddled, the students were surrounded by stunning scenery : lush green hills, calm waters, and the distant call of birds. The peaceful setting made the activity even more enjoyable, giving the students a chance to relax, connect with nature, and appreciate the beauty of Gyeonggi-do. Many later said that kayaking was one of their favorite parts of the trip. By the end of the first day, the students were tired but exhilarated, having already learned valuable lessons in teamwork, trust, and cooperation.
The second day was packed with activities designed to test the students’ skills, empathy, and ability to work together. The students faced a series of challenges that pushed them out of their comfort zones and left them with a deep sense of accomplishment.
The day began with a village orienteering challenge, where the students were divided into teams and given maps, compasses, and a list of checkpoints to find within the village. Their mission was to navigate themselves through the village, locate specific landmarks, and complete small tasks at each checkpoint, such as answering trivia questions about the village’s history or taking a creative group photo.
At first, some teams struggled with the compasses, accidentally heading in the wrong direction or getting lost. But as they worked together, shared ideas, and trusted each other’s instincts, they began to find their way more confidently. The activity was a great exercise in problem-solving and communication, as the students had to delegate tasks, make quick decisions, and support one another to succeed.
Next, the students rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on farming experience. They were taken to a local field, where they helped farmers pull weeds and remove unwanted plants. At first, the task seemed simple, but the students quickly realized how physically demanding and time-consuming farm work can be. As they knelt in the dirt, pulled weeds, and worked under the sun, they gained a new appreciation for the hard work that goes into growing food.
Many students later reflected on how tiring yet rewarding the experience was, and how it made them think differently about the food they eat and the people who produce it.
After the farm work, the students participated in a kimchi-making workshop, where they learned to prepare Korea’s iconic fermented dish from scratch. Working in small groups, they chopped vegetables, mixed ingredients, and packed the kimchi into jars, all under the guidance of a local expert.
The best part? The kimchi they made was a gift for the village community. This act of giving back taught the students the importance of generosity and collaboration. They realized that when everyone works together, even a big task like making kimchi becomes easier and more enjoyable. The workshop also gave them a deeper understanding of Korean culture and traditions, as they learned about the history and significance of kimchi in Korean cuisine.
To wrap up the day, the students tried their hand at stream fishing, a calm but challenging activity that required patience and focus. Some students caught fish quickly, while others struggled to even get a nibble. But the experience wasn’t about success or failure, it was about learning to persist, enjoy the process, and find joy in the simple act of trying.
The students also learned that fishing, like many things in life, requires practice and resilience. Those who stayed patient and kept trying were often rewarded with a catch, while others found contentment in the peaceful surroundings and the camaraderie of their classmates. The activity was a gentle reminder that not every effort leads to immediate success, but the journey itself is valuable.
On the final morning of the trip, the students embarked on a hike through the scenic hills of Gyeonggi-do, ending at a serene Buddhist temple. This was a quiet, reflective way to conclude their adventure, allowing them to connect with nature, witness traditional Korean spirituality, and say goodbye to the place that had given them so many memories.
The hike took the students through lush forests and rolling hills, with stunning views of the countryside unfolding around them. The fresh air, the sound of birds, and the rustling of leaves created a peaceful atmosphere, giving the students a chance to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of Gyeonggi-do.
The hike concluded at a Buddhist temple, where the students had the opportunity to observe monks in their daily routines. They watched as the monks performed prayers, tended to the temple grounds, and went about their day with quiet devotion. For many students, this was their first time seeing Buddhist practices up close, and it left them with a sense of awe and curiosity.
Some students even tried meditating for a few minutes, sitting quietly in the temple’s courtyard and focusing on their breath. This simple act of stillness and reflection was a fitting way to end the trip, helping the students to process their experiences and carry the lessons they’d learned back home with them.
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