In-service Training With a Twist - Boseong and Song Gwang Temple


Mark Neville

Every year, the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education hosts an in-service training program that is coupled to what we call Gwangju EPIK Teachers Day. The idea is to have some lectures, enable the Teachers to meet and network and to relax a bit. Although it was a lot of work and stress on our part, it was my pleasure to help organize and contribute to an improved version of our annual training/get-together program. I've come to realize that too often, we expect too much from ourselves the first time we do something. Through experience, we can really improve things given enough time. We decided to hold it in Boseong again as it is a beautiful area with nearby access to many unique and distinct parts of Korea.
This year I strived to have more flexibility with the lectures we chose. We offered several concurrent lectures on a rotating timetable. This meant Teachers could choose to see the lectures they felt were the most worthwhile to them. In scheduling them, I tried to ensure that several popular lectures would occur at least twice, so that Teachers would not miss out if they were two lectures they wanted to see that were running at the same time. It seemed like the limitations of facility we stayed at were an obstacle at first because of their size, but I realized that this forced me to grow in a creative way. I have learned so much from it and I am very thankful that what I once saw as a challenge made me grow both professionally and personally!
Even though there were a few hiccups, I was pleased with this multi-lecture approach because even though it made for a lot more work and stress on our end, I realized that there are Teachers of varying experiences and needs and that we should try to help accommodate for them whenever possible. We offered a survey after of the event and once I have completed the feedback from it, I will strive to improve next year's get-together to make it even better.
After having lunch, attending some lectures and getting settled in, we had a small break in the afternoon so that the Teachers could relax and network on their own terms. Some Teachers played soccer with the locals and it looked like quite an exciting game! Others played volleyball with each other and that looked just as intense. Some Teachers just sat to chat, while others rented some rollerblades and rollerbladed along the coast. Some went for a walk or others rested in their rooms as well. We even tossed a Frisbee around with some gardeners!
Despite some more hiccups, there were some very strong lectures and I could tell that there were a lot of positive feelings that came from them. We then had a great dinner followed up with some friendly team-based activities. You really begin to appreciate how big EPIK is when there are 157 Teachers all eating in one place! That being said, the Teachers were really easy-going overall and I think this year's get-together was already an improvement over the last one.

The next day we were to embark on a cultural trip. Last year we went to the Boseong Tea Fields and Naganeubseong Folk Village. Both are great places to see, especially the Boseong Tea Fields. I am always amazed at the sheer scope of the size of the tea fields and how they cover the mountain. They were doing work on improving the area as well and even installed a water fountain that was really nice. We decide to go to Song Gwang Temple instead of Naganeubseong Folk Village to spice things up this time around.
Located about an hour outside of Gwangju, it is a famous local temple nestled in along a creek and the mountains. Just getting to the temple itself is an adventure! The nearest village is a 10 minute drive away with the nearest city quite a ways away so it felt quite remote, but that was a good thing. Driving along quiet and serene back roads with few cars in sight is quite the contrast to living in a busy city. Once we got off the bus, we hiked to the temple walking along a picturesque creek. Hearing the sound of flowing water is so peaceful and it is something that is too easy to take for granted. Even seeing a clean and undisturbed stream was refreshing. You could hear the sound of your own footsteps on the gravel/dirt road and a gentle breeze in the background. There were no airplanes, no blaring of horns, diesel exhaust, or car alarms here. You could see spider webs inside hollowed out trees and humungous dragonflies on the hunt. Although the weather was overcast, it kept us cool and the light rain held off until lunch. It seemed like great weather and helped reset my connection with nature and balance. Like it or not, we are connected to nature and to deny that connection will have an ill effect on our mental and physical health in the long run. When I think back about it, I think myself and many others would agree that this picturesque walk put us in a good mood to appreciate the temple we would soon reach.
Having lived in Korea for several years and having seen several temples, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I honestly have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. Perhaps it was the hike there that put me in a good mood, or the spacious and calm courtyard that I found appealing. I'm not a practicing Buddhist, but this temple seemed very authentic and unique. Several Buddhist monks approached us and even offered a brief tour and translation of the history of the temple itself. I respect Buddhism as a religion and the monks seemed so respectful, polite and intelligent. We are grateful for their kindness.
I had a chance to talk to several Teachers and it was great to sit there and soak up the quiet atmosphere and nature all while appreciating the beauty of the temple itself. I soon began to realize I was hungry and I realized I not only had to look forward to the tranquil walk back but to the lunch that awaited us shortly afterwards.
We ate at a local restaurant and had several dishes, many of which I felt were quite delicious. While several Teachers felt it was not the best lunch they have had here, I thought it was good and the ambience was well worth it! There were tables that were next to the creek itself, under several trees which seemed so peaceful and relaxing. Even though the sky threatened to rain, it seemed to hold off until we were on our way back. Recharged and reconnected, we headed back home from what I believe was an improved in-service training session. I think back now and realize I came back a stronger, more confident and more developed person who learned many interesting things about Teaching, about himself and how to look at life. For this I am grateful to EPIK and I think and hope many other Teachers are too!