Wheels of Culture: A Pyeongtaek Cultural Tour Through the City’s History

Jetta Allen
Dec 21, 2024
4 min read

By: Jetta Allen

Orange vintage-style trolley bus parked on a sunny day. Open door, scenic background with trees and clear blue sky. Text in foreign script. — Pyeongtaek City Cultural Tours transports visitors to another time in history.

A Journey Through Pyeongtaek History with the Pyeongtaek Cultural Tour

In a captivating journey through time, a small group of about 20 service members, civilians, and their families from the Camp Humphreys community embarked on a Pyeongtaek City cultural tour on Oct. 12, 2024. Through the Pyeongtaek Cultural tour, participants were given the opportunity to experience and discover the many hidden gems of Pyeongtaek right outside the installation.

Grace Kim, coordinator of
Pyeongtaek Cultural Center,
led participants on a journey
through time during the
Joseon Dynasty — Grace Kim, coordinator of Pyeongtaek Cultural Center, led participants on a journey through time during the Joseon Dynasty

The expedition began as participants gathered at the pedestrian gate, eager to step back into Korea's storied past. All were welcomed by the We Go Together Association, a member of U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys’ Good Neighbor Program. Each participant was given a bag full of goodies: doughnuts, Hodu-gwaja walnut cookies, and water to set the morning off right.

All Aboard the New Trolley Bus: Blending Nostalgia with Innovation

With their breakfast snacks in tow, the group loaded onto Pyeongtaek’s new city bus trolley, a blend of modern technology and classic charm. As passengers step aboard, they were immediately enveloped in the warm, inviting atmosphere. The new trolley bus successfully marries the nostalgia of bygone eras with the functionality of modern transit, creating a unique and pleasant travel experience for its passengers, perfect for a deep dive into the rich culture of Pyeongtaek and the heritage of the Joseon Dynasty.

Jeongdojeon Ancestral Shrine: Legacy of a Joseon Scholar

The first stop was the Jeongdojeon Ancestral Shrine, a public school from the Joseon era. Here, visitors gained invaluable insights into the history of Jeong Dojeon (정도전), also known as Sambong, a key figure in founding the Joseon Dynasty. Tourgoers learned of the educational practices and philosophies that shaped the minds of Korea’s historical elite. Tourgoers also saw preserved architecture and artifacts, which offered a tangible connection to the scholarly pursuits of centuries past. While looking around the complex structures, tour participants explored the museum, where they had the chance to practice skills with woodblock engravings. During the visit, the school held a ceremony to honor Sambong, which included traditional attire from the period.

Jinwee-Hyanggyo: Learning Confucian Philosophy in Historic Halls

Traditional Korean building with a sign, nestled in a leafy setting under a clear blue sky. Green shutters and exposed beams add colorful detail. — Jinwee-Hyanggyo was a local Confucian public school that was established to educate the local youth in Confucian classics and prepare them for examinations necessary for civil service in Korea.

Next, the tour ventured to the Jinwee-Hyanggyo and Shrine of Jung Do Jeon, a renowned scholar and influential politician of the Joseon Dynasty. As the group explored the sacred grounds, they learned about Jung’s significant contributions to Korean politics and philosophy, understanding how his ideas continue to resonate in modern Korean society.

Exploring Korea’s Hyanggyo School Traditions

The group toured a Confucian school called hyanggyo, which were public schooling institutions in the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Among the participants were the Mighell family who just arrived at their new duty assignment from Texas. Eager to learn more about Korean culture, the family fervently listened to the tour guides. The Mighell children enjoyed sitting in the local school room and playing traditional children’s games with other Korean school children who were on a separate school tour.

A Taste of Korea: Galbi-Tang and Culinary Traditions

Midday brought the group to a grilled short ribs restaurant. As the tour group savored the rich flavors of galbi-tang, a traditional Korean rib soup, the group delved deeper into Korean culture. The meal satisfied appetites but also provided a taste of authentic Korean

cuisine, bridging the gap between past and present through shared cultural traditions.

Stone statue of a face with headdress stands on grassy landscape. Weathered texture, sunny day, trees in the blurred background.

Honoring Korea’s Military Heritage at the Tomb of General Won Gyun

The afternoon’s itinerary led to the Tomb of General Won Gyun, a notable military figure from the Joseon Dynasty. This solemn site offered a moment of reflection on the martial history of Korea and the individuals who shaped its course through turbulent times. While there, participants visited a museum dedicated to Gen. Won-Gyun, which displayed many artifacts, including scrolls documenting his long military career, noting his tactical and strategic prowess on the battlefield.

Weeping willow tree by a serene lakeside, surrounded by lush greenery. Wooden fence in the foreground under a bright, clear sky.

Sopung Garden: Reflecting on Culture in Nature’s Embrace

The day’s adventure through time concluded with a visit to Sopung Jeongon, a picturesque picnic garden. There, the tour group ate ice cream and strolled the grounds with new friends. Here, amidst nature’s tranquility, participants had the opportunity to contemplate the day’s historical journey, discussing their newfound knowledge and appreciation for Pyeongtaek’s rich cultural heritage.

The Lasting Impact of Cultural Exchange on Military Families

As the trolley bus returned to Camp Humphreys, passengers carried with them not just souvenirs, but a deeper understanding of the Joseon Dynasty’s enduring legacy. This immersive tour served as a vivid reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural history, offering a bridge between past and present for all who participated.

Building Bridges Through Shared Cultural Understanding

Brochure reads "A city where even the wind will want to stay awhile, Pyeongtaek." It's held on a trolley with passengers, wooden interior. — Pyeontaek City Cultural Tours transport you to another time in history.

Nearly everyone on the tour would agree that cultural exchanges are extremely important for U.S. military personnel and their families stationed in the Republic of Korea. Cultural tours like this one fostered a deep understanding of customs and traditions by exploring local treasures within the community. Likewise, participating in cultural activities allowed military personnel and their families to interact with Korean citizens in a non-military context, creating positive relationships and goodwill between the two nations. A better understanding of the cultures improves communication and cooperation between the U.S. and Korean counterparts, enhancing overall mission effectiveness. Exposure to a different culture broadens perspectives, increases empathy, and contributes to personal growth and development. Service members and their dependents serve as unofficial ambassadors. Their positive interactions positively impact the overall image of the U.S. in Korea.

By fostering mutual understanding and respect, cultural exchanges contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region. Peace and stability are the mission that so many have fought to preserve. Through organizations like the We Go Together Association, we can accomplish it together.

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