Young Ambassadors

The Last Hurrah

The BYU Young Ambassadors pose for a photo after visiting the Seoul Korea Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On Sunday, May 8, the Young Ambassadors filled their day with visits to historic tourist sites, including the Korean Folk Village. At the village, which is often used as the set for k-dramas (Korean television dramas), the performers were able to see restored government offices, educational institutions, and religious buildings, as well as homes of nobles, farmers, and villagers. The group then attended church at the Suji Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints near Seoul. They enjoyed the opportunity to meet and worship with the Korean Church members, and afterward feasted on a delicious lunch provided by ward members. The group ended the day at the Hwaseong Fortress in nearby Suwon, which was built to protect the city hundreds of years ago.

On Monday the group visited the Gyeongbokgung Palace and watched the changing of the guard. That was followed by shopping, exploring the National Museum of Korea, and more shopping!

The Young Ambassadors enjoy interacting with local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The group went to the Seoul Korea Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the following day. The temple trip proved to be another amazing opportunity as group members were able to interact and make spiritual connections with the kind, humble Korean people. That evening the Young Ambassadors performed one final time at the Incheon Global Campus Auditorium. The audience was not only excited about the performance, they were also thrilled to be attending their first major public event since South Korea’s COVID-19 shutdown.

On Wednesday the Young Ambassadors visited the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to learn firsthand about the Korean War and see North Korea from a distance.

Students Luke Rands, Cassidy Riggs, and Isabelle McKnight take pictures during a meet and greet with the audience after their final performance in Incheon.

In order to receive clearance to return to the United States, the group took their fourth COVID-19 test of the tour. Another miracle occurred, and again everyone tested negative. To celebrate a successful tour, the Young Ambassadors spent their final day in South Korea at Everland theme park, which is known as one of the top 10 theme parks in the world. The group ended the day on a magical note by watching an amazing firework display set to the music of K-pop band BTS at the park’s gardens.

With hearts overflowing with gratitude for their newfound friends and cherished memories from tour, the Young Ambassadors returned home safely on Thursday, May 12.

The group sings for the Siju Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Young Ambassadors spend the final day of their tour at Everland Theme Park.