At 10:05am she watched Baek Woon Elementary School students playing on a traditional Korean seesaw and then went to Ilhwadang where she was welcomed by some 260 people, including Korean and American girl scout troops, singing a song of welcome.

Mrs. Bush said that the Bushes were scouts in childhood, adding that President Bush's mother Barbara Bush also participated in scouting activities as a parent. She added her mother was a captain of a brigade she was involved in. The Girl Scouts of Korea president Jo Seon-hyeong presented her a golden badge before she gave a speech.

"I've learned about local communities by having been actively involved in research activities while in the girl scouts. One day a rare bird came to our house and lived in the backyard for a while. Bird watchers flocked by the hour to the kitchen and they were so delighted they hugged each other when the bird appeared," she said, stressing scouting activities are an opportunity to use one's talent and efforts for the development of the local community.

"I appreciate the support of the Korean people after the September 11 terrorists attacks. We remember 18 Korean residents in New York lost their lives at the time," she continued.

"Mrs. Bush dreamed of becoming a teacher since her second year at elementary school," said Noelia Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the first lady, adding that she has stressed the importance of education and volunteer work at all times. At a meeting with First Lady Lee Hui-ho in Cheong Wa Dae, Laura explained about the USA Peace Corps, which encourages US citizens to be involved in volunteer work for 4,000 hours in their lifetime.

Before having pumpkin soup, boiled rice and shish kebab for lunch at a Korean restaurant 'Asadal' inside Samcheonggak, Mrs. Bush watched a series of performances by Chungbuk Arts High School (fan dancing), Chuncheon Bomnae Elementary School (English drama), and Dongbuk Elementary School (Jindo Arirang choir).

(Jeong Jae-yeon, whauden@chosun.com )