Korean culture fascinates D.C. public school pupils

Students learn about Korean history and culture and participate in Korean crafts and traditional games, alongside hands-on workshops such as making mini turtle-shaped battleships after Admiral Yi Sun-shin's Geobukseon (photo courtesy of the Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.).

Alice Deal Middle School students in Washington, D.C. reunited with representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea on June 7 for a series of presentations about Korean culture. Nearly 150 sixth graders flocked to the auditorium to wrap up a six-month-long adventure delving into Korea.

The program, launched this January was organized by the Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., as part of the D.C. Public Schools' Embassy Adoption Program, an academic initiative exploring a select country's history, culture, arts, food, and much more.

Two dozen students created and delivered a final presentation about their adopted country of the semester, based on the Korea-themed lessons. Some chose the topic of Korean music and sports, while others elaborated on architecture, food, and tourism in Korea.

During the sessions held over the last six months, the students were given an overview of Korean history, traditions, music, crafts, and taekwondo demonstrations, alongside a wide array of hands-on activities tailored to children.

"I really want to go to Cheong Wa Dae, when I get to visit Korea one day", said Aaron Kinz with his eyes full of curiosity.

"I didn't know a lot about Korea before, but I learnt many things about Korean food and culture through the program", remarked Nerissa Tunnessen, adding that she really enjoyed the program.

"I want to tell the embassy staff that I can understand most of the lyrics from the K-pop songs!" commented Claire Medine, demonstrating passion for her favorite Korean cultural content.

Harlan Kinzer, in charge of a sixth-grade class, gave appreciative words to the embassy staff, noting that the series was one of the most ardent and systematic programs planned by a local embassy they've had in school.

Since 1974, the Embassy Adoption Program has led local public school students to learn about a select country and its history, culture, and arts through a series of special events organized by a local embassy in D.C. The one-of-a-kind program could only happen in a city like D.C., home to over 100 embassies. The Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. will continue to take part in the program in partnership with D.C. public schools, in a bid to raise awareness of Korea and its culture with diverse workshops and events. For more information, visit the official website at: www.dynamic-korea.com.

* About Korean Cultural Centers
Korean Cultural Centers across the globe have engaged in getting in touch with the regional communities they serve through an extensive roster of activities, from organizing Korean culture festivals to hosting classes on Korean language and topics dedicated to providing insights into Korea. The centers host an array of events such as exhibitions, performances, movie screenings, Korean language classes, taekwondo contests, cultural lectures, and symposiums to better suit cultural and regional needs. If you can find a center near you, be sure to swing by! www.korea.net/AboutUs/Overseas-Korea-Centers/Korean-Cultural-Centers 

By Hwang Dana
Korea.net Staff Writer