Ninety students from the English-Korean Program at Sa-Nguan Ying School in Suphanburi Province participated in an immersive Korean cultural experience at the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand on August 13. The visit was designed to provide students with hands-on exposure to various aspects of Korean traditions and customs while deepening their understanding of Korean culture.
Ms. Sunju Lee, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand, welcomed the visiting students and expressed her appreciation for their enthusiasm toward Korean culture. She emphasized that the cultural experience would serve as a meaningful opportunity for students to learn about the historical significance of Liberation Day, which commemorates Korea's independence from Japanese colonial rule.
The day's program featured a comprehensive Taegeukgi-making workshop where students learned about the symbolic meaning and historical importance of South Korea's national flag. Through this hands-on activity, participants gained insight into the philosophical concepts represented by the flag's design, including the balance of opposing forces and the harmony between different elements.
Students also engaged in traditional Korean culinary arts by participating in a kimchi-making session, where they learned about the fermentation process and cultural significance of Korea's most iconic dish. The program included various traditional Korean games such as Tuho, a ring-toss game that was historically played by Korean aristocrats, Ddakjichigi, a competitive game similar to pogs, and Jegichagi, a traditional shuttlecock game that requires skill and coordination.
The cultural immersion experience concluded with a hanbok photo session, allowing students to wear traditional Korean clothing and capture memories of their visit. The hanbok experience provided participants with a tangible connection to Korean heritage and allowed them to appreciate the elegance and craftsmanship of traditional Korean attire.
Organizers expressed their sincere hope that this comprehensive field trip would significantly contribute to the students' Korean language learning journey by providing cultural context and authentic experiences that complement their academic studies. The program represents ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural ties between Thailand and South Korea through educational initiatives.