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On the 13th, the Cheontae Order Welfare Foundation’s Yeongju Senior Welfare Center took about 50 people—including seniors enrolled in the adult literacy outreach program \”Let’s Play Korean!\” and their instructors—on a special field trip to nearby Bonghwa County.
The nonprofit Sharing and Becoming One Foundation, an NGO affiliated with the Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism, funded the outing and provided a professional cultural-tour narrator. That support turned the day into more than a simple excursion—it became a memorable blend of learning and shared experiences.
Seniors from three villages—Daechon 1-ri in Bonghyeon-myeon, Cheonbon 1-ri in Pyeungeun-myeon, and Eumnae 3-ri in Sunheung-myeon—joined the trip, swapping the classroom for the outdoors to recharge and strengthen community bonds.
At their first stop, the Bonghwa Pavilion Cultural Center, they explored exhibits on traditional pavilion culture and the refined pastimes of classical scholars while listening to the guide’s explanations. Next, they rode a tram through the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum to take in the grounds.
The green forest paths outside the window elicited constant gasps, and when they came face-to-face with the Baekdudaegan tiger exhibit, one senior cried out, \”It’s really big!\” and lit up like a child.
One participant said, \”As I get older and my body grows frail, going far gets harder. Coming to a place like this, getting fresh air and laughing with others, makes me so happy,\” and kept thanking the organizers.
Director Lee Sang-gyu said the seniors seemed to experience the joy of learning more deeply through hands-on field trips that let them see and feel things beyond the classroom. He added that they will continue offering cultural experiences to support seniors’ health and vibrant, active later years.
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