Last GIC tour

We have had a great time volunteering at the GIC and participating in their tour groups.  Our last trip with them was awesome and memorable.  We started off at a Buddhist temple, which has some of the oldest original buildings from the 16th century.  This is unique because many temples were destroyed during the Japanese invasion at the time.

Entrance to temple grounds

Walking to temple

Lotus pond

One of the oldest buildings.  The sign said it was built without any nails!

A newer pavilion with lanterns

Looking out of the pavilion over the monks' dormitories

The main sanctuary; one of the older buildings.  The paint is nearly gone but the woodwork was exquisite.

Shutters

Main Sanctuary

Ceiling woodwork

After the trip to the temple, we went to a nearby national park, and hiked to a waterfall for lunch.  Beautiful views!

Our friend Christina

After our hike, we headed to a nearby beach.  I didn't get any pictures there because we were too busy swimming!  We have loved our trips with the GIC.  They helped us experience so much more of Korea than we would have on our own.  What a great organization in Gwangju.  Just another reason why we loved our city so much!