The National Museum, June 29

Today was the second day of our lecture series at Korea University. We have had lectures on Korean language, art, economics, culture, and North- South relations. We also toured the Korea University campus yesterday. And we have met some high ranking government officials. After today's lectures we went to the National Museum. There are so many stunning artifacts-- which is to be expected from a country as old as Korea. We had a chance to look at some beautiful examples of celadon and white porcelain pottery. My favorite room however was the Buddha exhibit.

There are many different types of Buddhas and every different facial expression or hand gesture has a meaning. The hand gestures are known as mudras. Then there are the Bodhisattvas, who are not Buddhas, but humans who are considered enlightened beings. At night a group of about fourteen of us went our due traditional Korean BBQ. You cook our yourself on a grill built into your table. The owner placed a tray of hot coals inside the table and adds bowls of meat, garlic, lettuce, julienned green onions, and various other items around the grill and you cook it and eat it with your desired accoutrements.