Gyeongju tour proves enlightening for members of Team Osan

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Jason Epley
  • 51 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Exploring ancient temples and tombs reminiscent of images seen in an adventure movie, service members from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps took part in a three day trip to Gyeongju from June 27 - 29.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs hosted its annual all expense paid trip to historical Gyeongju as a way to thank service members for their duty on the Korean peninsula.

Service members with relatives who fought during the Korean War, as well as outstanding service members from various units were selected to participate in the tour.

The trip toured some of Korea's most historical locations in Gyeongju City to include ancient temples and tombs from the Shilla Kingdom.  The Shilla Kingdom was established after the unification of the Korean Peninsula in the seventh century and its prosperity was reported as far away as Egypt.

Service members were also introduced to a variety of Korean foods to include bulgogi, and naengmyeon, a cold buckwheat noodle, as well as given an insight into Korean culture.

"I already love Korea, the tour just allowed me to learn a little bit more about their culture and history," said Senior Airman Jesse Duffy, Detachment 2, 607th Weather Squadron at Camp Humphreys.

Tours like these help to reinforce the Good Neighbor Program, an initiative to improve relations between the Republic of Korea and U.S. service members, and allow them to better understand host nation culture.

"I got to see the terrain of the country which relates to my job as a weather forecaster," said Airman Duffy, who forecasts weather for this area of the country but had not actually seen the geography.

The tour included a visit to the Hyundai Motor Co. and Hyundai Heavy Industry at the Ulsan Industrial Complex in Ulsan City, approximately one hour drive from Gyeongju. This part of the tour allowed service members to see the modern Republic of Korea as automobiles and ships were being constructed.

The trip concluded with a dinner at the "Yook-Sam 63 Building," the tallest building in Seoul with special guests Minister Kim, Jung Bok of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and General B.B. Bell, United States Forces Korea Commander.

Gen. Bell reminded service members of the importance of the mission in South Korea, as well as the importance of continuing to build the alliance between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea through cultural exchange events like these.