Korean children in hanbok dress  by Rachel Whalley

Korean Study Tour

   /   
In the last school holiday break I joined a delegation of NZ teachers and principals on a study tour of South Korea. This was a great opportunity to learn more about Korean society, culture and education system.

During our stay we visited education departments and schools in Busan and Gyeonggido. The staff and students were very welcoming and we were able to hear and see first hand how the education system worked in South Korea and to share our own experiences. It is encouraging to see that Korea is developing a focus on the well being of children and providing a student centred integrated curriculum. The cultural connection with teachers from Korea was an important part of this visit. It would have been good to have a longer time to work with teachers and to follow up with ongoing connections. It was very touching to hear the principal of  Busan Yongsu Elementary School play Pokarekare Ana on the mouth organ, and we all joined in to accompany him.

NZers are loved in Korea for their support as allies in the Korean War. K-Force soldiers were given the name 'fat chickens' because of the kiwi on their uniform and Pokarekare Ana became a popular song, with a Korean language version.

Our delegation also visited areas of cultural & historical significance such as Bulkuksa Temple (Gyeongju), K-Style Hub (Seoul), and DMZ (DeMilitarised Zone). We had time for shopping at many of the markets in Seoul & Busan. The food was great!

For schools who are looking at making choices about learning languages, or developing cultural connections you should take a serious look at Korea. Wedged between China, the world power to the North & Japan to the East which NZ has long connections with, Korea is often overlooked. Korea is a significant economic power in Asia, has a vibrant popular culture, a long and rich history and tradition, and Korean people are friendly and really easy to get along with. 

This was an amazing opportunity and would recommend it to others for the opportunity to experience Korea.  Big thanks to the Korean Education Centre.

Attached is the Korean Education Centre official press release & some facts about Korea.

Educational resources - Asia New Zealand

Find out more about learning Korean online with the VLN Primary

 Attachments