Author: Monica K. Guthrie, Special Commissioner for Public Affairs, Humphreys, U.S. Army Garrison November 17, 2021
Camp Humphrey, Republic of Korea (November 18, 2021)-When Lindsey Brown stepped off the tour bus in the evening of November 15, she and a group of other women gathered on the sidewalk to make plans. When they responded that they were happy to meet other people and made sure they were able to connect through the exchanged phone numbers and social media accounts, the voices merged together.
Brown and others were among the 40 soldiers, civilians and family members invited by the Korea-US Friendship Association to participate in the Yezhou Ceramics Tour. This trip is free and includes bus transportation, lunch and pottery making.
"I like anything that helps me understand Korea better," said Brown, whose husband is Tech. Sgt. Brown University London and 51st Logistics Preparation Squadron. "I like the fact that it's easy. You show up and they provide everything...you just can't beat it."
Lisa Ku is a volunteer and translator of KAFS. She said that the purpose of holding this event is to provide an opportunity for members of each culture to communicate with each other.
"We want American military families to learn about Korean culture," Ku said.
The program of the day included a visit to Silleuksa Temple in Yeoju, which is the only Buddhist temple in South Korea close to the river. The group was divided into two parts and was equipped with a tour guide and an interpreter. During the visit, participants learned about the history of the temple and its significance in Korean culture before being released to walk on their own site.
Brown said: "I like Korea very deliberately wanting Americans to enjoy their experience here." "In the United States, we really don't do such things for foreigners. I really appreciate it and South Korea. The culture of foreigners."
Then, the group went to their pottery-making location, where they enjoyed a Korean bento box lunch, and then browsed the pottery warehouse available for purchase. Pottery includes items ranging from miniature flower pots with lids to two-foot-tall vases and flower pots.
Pottery courses and ceramic painting opportunities happen at the same time. Participants chose a table and decided to draw between a heart-shaped bowl and a rectangular tray. Using the supplies provided, everyone can freely propose their own designs. At the same time, potter Kim Sang-lok invited participants to his pottery wheel one by one to help them make their own pots. These jars will be put into the kiln and then sent to Humphreys Camp when finished.
When the participants started their activities, the sound in the room changed from soft voices to talk and laughter. Although few people in the group know each other, strangers quickly become new friends. Brown said that she met a South Korean citizen during the trip and planned to meet them. In addition, she also met a spouse who was new to Korea and wanted to spend time with her.
"This is another thing I like about these trips," Brown said. "Usually you will meet someone. I think it's really good for us to meet other people."
When the bus returned to Humphreys Camp, the organizers stood up to express their gratitude to those who participated in the exchange experience. They emphasized future events and invited everyone to join again.
"I hope more people will know (future events) that they can come and enjoy these events," Ku said. "Everyone is very friendly and I am very happy to meet them."