Kicking off Dr. Biden’s four-nation tour through Asia, Dr. Jill Biden arrived in Seoul, Republic of Korea on Saturday afternoon.

Military families greet Dr. Biden at Osan Air Force Base outside Seoul, Republic of Korea. https://t.co/FWl9zOw2zh pic.twitter.com/qJYu5yQsJP

— Dr. Jill Biden (@DrBiden) July 18, 2015

Her first stop was the Jinkwansa Temple, an ancient monastery that dates back to 1011. It is home to female monks, who use the temple as a place to demonstrate important spiritual, cultural, and historical values in Korean culture. The female monks also serve as leaders in their community, helping empower women and girls in Korea.

The monks led Dr. Biden around the temple grounds, explaining its rich history and showing her the dozens of pots that store doenjang, or fermented soybeans that they prepare.

“We just wanted to say how excited we are to be here in Korea and how wonderful the sisters have been to us today,” Dr. Biden said at the temple. “They’re educating women and empowering women. That’s one of the purposes of this trip.”

"Sisters, thank you for sharing the beauty and serenity of your life with us. We are honored to spend this time with you." –Dr. Biden at Jingwansa Temple, a monastery run by female monks in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

A photo posted by Dr. Jill Biden (@drbiden) on Jul 18, 2015 at 6:46am PDT

In the evening, Dr. Biden continued her discussion of women and girls by meeting with Jim Hee-Jun, the Republic of Korea’s Minister of Gender Equality and Family. The meeting focused on gender equality and women’s leadership in society.

Coming out of their meeting, the two leaders then visited a reception honoring female leaders in the Korean and American communities, including U.S. military personnel.

“Ann yeong haseyo!” Dr. Biden told the crowd, meaning “Hello!”

“President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and my husband Joe, the Vice President, have worked to empower women in the workforce and to shape every level of our government so that their voices are heard throughout society and all around the world,” Dr. Biden said. “To see those same efforts being made in the Republic of Korea shows how far we’ve come – not just as women in individual nations but as a global community of men and women working together toward full gender equality.”

In the Republic of Korea, Dr. Jill Biden delivered the keynote address at a reception hosted by the Minister of Gender Equity & Family. Watch below:

“Throughout my trip, we’ll meet with more women like all of you – women entrepreneurs, youth, and political leaders who are all empowering their communities and the next generation of women, because they know a nation cannot reach its full potential until its women reach theirs.”

Stay tuned as Dr. Biden continues her travels to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Follow her Journey on Instagram

Ahead of a week-long visit to the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Laos and Japan, Dr. Jill Biden is joining Instagram to give followers a unique inside look at her trip across Asia. Instagram followers will have access to behind-the-scenes photos from the road as she meets with students, women entrepreneurs, and military families.

Check out her first post:

 

Hello, @Instagram! Excited to start gramming. Running through my briefing papers before traveling to Asia to promote economic empowerment and educational opportunities for women and girls. #LetGirlsLearn –Jill

A photo posted by Dr. Jill Biden (@drbiden) on

Jul 16, 2015 at 12:18pm PDT

 

Throughout her travels, Dr. Biden will highlight the importance of women and girls in the workforce and the power of education. While in Japan, she will participate in events as part of her Joining Forces initiative to show support for service men and women, veterans, and their families.

Stay tuned for photos during and after the trip, and don’t forget to follow Dr. Biden on Twitter to see the latest from her travels.

Check back here for updates from the road as Dr. Biden makes her way through Asia!