The educational visit began with the students exploring the "Production Design: Scene Architects Build On-Screen World" exhibition, which was currently being showcased at the Korean Cultural Center. This exhibition provided the students with unique insights into the creative processes behind Korean film and television production, offering them a glimpse into the artistic and technical aspects of Korean entertainment industry.
Following their exhibition tour, the students engaged in hands-on activities that allowed them to experience traditional Korean culture firsthand. They participated in several classic Korean games that have been enjoyed for generations, including Tuho, a traditional ring-toss game where players attempt to throw wooden sticks into a narrow-necked jar; Ddakjichigi, a popular children's game similar to pogs that involves flipping paper discs; and Jegichagi, a traditional Korean game resembling hacky sack where players keep a shuttlecock-like object airborne using their feet.
One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity for students to try on hanbok, Korea's traditional clothing. The students were able to wear these beautiful, colorful garments and take photographs, creating lasting memories of their cultural experience. The hanbok fitting session allowed them to appreciate the elegance and craftsmanship of Korean traditional attire while gaining a deeper understanding of Korean aesthetics and cultural values.
In addition to the games and dress-up activities, the students participated in a creative art session where they created watercolor paintings featuring Gyeongju's most iconic historical sites. Gyeongju, often referred to as "the museum without walls," served as the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom and is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Through their artistic endeavors, students were able to connect with Korea's rich historical heritage while developing their artistic skills.
The Korean Cultural Center expressed their sincere hopes that this comprehensive cultural field trip would serve as a valuable supplement to the students' formal Korean language studies. By providing experiential learning opportunities that go beyond textbook knowledge, the center aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Korean culture among international students and support their language learning journey through meaningful cultural engagement.
This educational initiative represents the ongoing efforts of Korean Cultural Centers worldwide to promote cross-cultural understanding and provide immersive learning experiences for students interested in Korean language and culture. Such programs play a crucial role in building cultural bridges and enhancing international educational cooperation between Korea and other nations.
