Adjusting to the Customs

After the dust settled, the reality of being in Seoul, South Korea was exciting and full of learning moments.  During the orientation, students had a chance to meet our Korean hosts of teachers and local guides that were enthusiatic to share their love of Korean culture.  They gave us the dos and dont's of Korean culture from handling a business card with both hands and never writing someone's name in red; it means they are dead.  Even though we came to learn about K-Pop, it was important we learned about the history of Korea going back to dynasties, colonial influence, religion, astrology, and how the last 60 years has shaped Korea to what it is now.   After, the students were excited to eat classic sweets and try on a Hanbok, a traditional Korean dress for semi-formal or formal attire during traditional occasions such as festivals, celebrations, and ceremonies.  

Eager to get out and explore, the students had a chance to buy, observe, and engage with Korean youth culture.  The local shopping district nearby is equipped with tons of stores to eat at, buy clothes, and has an open area to listen to musicians performing.  They realized how many people like to sing through the street culture, but in the classroom they understood how Korean culture fostered the love to sing and dance in hopes of becoming a K-Pop star.  Our expert instructor on K-Pop helped us find the connectoins between the music and society through ideas of collectivism versus individualism.  Students felt linked to the material and asked questions to gain a better perspective on the varities of Korean culture.  At the end of the course, they will put their love for K-Pop on display through writting assignments and a music video recreation project.  We are all excited to see the outcome!