Gwangju International Center will run a GIC Culture Tour to Jangseong County in South Jeolla Province on March 22.

The tour will stop by Naejangsan National Park for a short walk and to take part in the Maple Water Festival, before a vegetarian lunch.

In the afternoon, the group will move on to Pilam Seowon, a Confucian school founded in 1590 that is known for its 17th-century architecture. After looking around the school, they will visit a center to make soap using oil extracted from cypress trees. The oil contains phytonicides, which are popularly believed in Korea to help soothe and relax people. Participants will be able to take their soap with them.

The tour runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs 40,000 won for GIC members, 50,000 for nonmembers and 25,000 won for preschoolers. The cost covers lunch, experience programs and transport.

To join the tour, sign up via gic.or.kr.

(paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)