Name: Yoisy Belén Castillo
Affiliation: Ministry of Environment of Panama
Journal Title: First cultural trip
Date: 27 July 2022


Have you ever happened that you have specific plans but suddenly have to change everything for reasons out of your control?
Our schedule program slightly changed plans during the second and third day.
Today, the third day of the Program, was a fantastic experience to enjoy the Korean Summer time.



Photo 1. Everybody exited and ready to start


We gathered at the hotel to take the bus to visit the Seoul Energy Dream Center, the first Korean energy-independent eco-friendly public building. We divided into two groups. My group had an excellent tour guide, who very kindly explained to us the history of the building as well as the concepts that make this building very unique.
We had an opportunity to become a child again and experience the science of energy sources with very practical and joyful games.



Photo 2. Playing at the Seoul Energy Dream Center- making energy


After finishing the Seoul Energy Dream Center visit, We went directly to Seoul Botanic Park. This was one of the places I especially enjoyed because I’m a plant lover. No wonder my GHG inventory sector is LULUCF.
The exhibition was humid and hot, but it reminds me so much back home, and the variety of plants was fantastic—many types of bromeliads and orchids, as well as succulents like lithops.



Photo 3. Seoul Botanic Park entrance


After that, We had a healing Korean traditional food, bibimbap. This one was unique, with a very savory flavor. I like it so much. 

Having of belly well full of this delicious meal, we travel to GwangMyeong Caves; just having that was the top momentum of our trip.
Definitively, the best for the end. I was amazed about how in Korea, as mine cave was converted into a tourist attraction, full of color and life.
I Enjoyed seeing the fish and lights and the spectacular show of lights inside the cave.



Photo 4. View from the wormhole inside the Gwangmyeong caves


I finished the trip with a yummy jjajjangmyung; other participants preferred fried rice or jjangpong—anyhow, it was a delightful dinner to end our trip with some delicious Korean food.



Photo 5. Enjoying our dinner together




Coordinator's comments: 
It is our great pleasure to hear that places we visited on this day left you memorable experiences. I was happy to meet great tour guides at the Energy Center who were very eager to provide us with useful information as much as possible. I had a big smile while I was seeing you and everyone actively using resources and enjoying activities.
Also, I was impressed that you were very familiar with Korean food and its names in Korean!  
You made the Korean Summer time so much enjoyable for every one of us.
I am much delighted to have you as our trainee.