Images of Korea

Today we were treated to a series of presentations on Korean education and social history.  It is interesting to see the central role that education has played in the rise of a confident and economically prosperous modern Korea. It strikes me that Koreans have subscribed to the theory that if something is good, then more of it must be better. I am not convinced that this theory holds true for young Koreans spending long hours in cram schools, but their results speak for themselves. 

The new direction being adopted by KEDI (Korea Education Development Institute) to focus on creativity demonstrates Korea's commitment to being a world leader into the future.

Three key areas of focus:

Happy Education - students' dream and develop talents.

Normalisation of School Education - one semester in Year 8 with more emphasis on projects and less assessment.  An attempt to change school culture to be more creative.

Establishment of Competency Based Society - more technical and vocational education.

Tracey

Ako in Korea

Today the Australians and New Zealanders had the chance to touch base with home by visiting our respective embassies in Seoul. At the New Zealand embassy we met with the Ambassador Clare Fearnley,  Rod Fortune the Defence Representative and Erin Duncan the Second Secretary who also takes responsibilities for relations with North Korea. It was interesting to hear how our relationship has developed on the Korean Peninsular and the ongoing connections New Zealand has with the two countries. It was touching to hear Rod's story about an elderly Korean man who stopped to thank a visiting New Zealand Veteran on the subway. This gave us an incredible sense of New Zealand pride. 

  

We then went and joined the Australian contingent at the Australian Embassy and heard from the Korean Educational Development Institute and the Korean Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation. These speakers gave us great insight into the Korean education system and changes that have lead to both high achievement, economic growth and social development. We then joined our presenters for lunch and had the chance to have Bulgogi and talk to them one on one. Another delicious Korean dining experience! 

Our focus on education continued into the afternoon with a trip to the Ewha Woman's University. There Professor Kim Young-Hoon gave us an inspiring lecture about the shifting image of Korea through their visual representation in the media. He showed us many National Geographic images and videos from his research which analysed how Korea has been seen by the outside world since 1890. We all left the lecture keen and eager to find out more about his publications. 

  

By the end of the day we felt like we had experienced a full school day as Korean students. To top it off we then went to an after school Hakwon or "cram school" where students go to have additional tutoring in preparation for their very important CSAT exams which determines if and where they can go to university.

    

We saw students studying and met some of their teachers. While we went to a lovely Chinese restaurant for dinner these students would remain studying until 10pm. Overall we leave today with a wealth of information and feeling enlightened about Korean education, international relations and culture. Annyeong-haseyo and good night from Seoul!

Eleanor and Fiona 😻

A Night In Korea

 

 

After today's very large lunch for some we were given a taste of some more traditional Korean foods at Korea House. Several side dishes were already laid out in front of us with some yummy Korean green tea and then a bowl or plate of food would arrive in front of you. Some of the courses were shared amongst four people and other times the beautifully dressed Korean wait staff put individual courses in front of us. Once it was eaten they would bring the next dish out. This went on for around 10 courses. Some of the interesting courses included a variety of seafood, stirfry type beef with rice, marinated pan-fried red cod, a meat pattie type dish with mushrooms and kumara, and of course some dessert which was some fresh fruit. Each course was beautifully presented and delicious little morsels.

The show afterwards was incredible. The dancers were perfectly in time as they told their stories. The drummers must have incredibly sore arms after their workout showcasing their culture. The snowflake dance was a favourite of mine as they used a white fan shaped prop to symbolise the snowflakes. The final act saw some interesting head movements as they twirled their ribbons from their hats. The colours and sounds all portrayed their culture and heritage in this beautiful country full of history.

An evening stroll for a few of us meant we were able to find the coolest cafe in Seoul.... the Cat Cafe! For an hour or so we mingled with some gorgeous cats while sipping on our drinks. The furry and not-so-furry felines mostly loved the attention and the food they got to lick off the back of our hands. We can't wait til we get one on the North Shore in Auckland!

Nicola

All of us with the wonderful performers from the Korean House

Tuesdays adventures

The day began early for Jakub and Sam who used the late start to run up Mt Namsan. It is a very popular place for runners and walkers with stunning views of Seoul.

The group headed off to PSCORE (People for Successful COrean Reunification) to hear about their work with raising awareness of Human Rights abuses in North Korea, addressing barriers to the reunification of Korea and supporting defectors. We heard from a defector who made it to South Korea via China and Thailand last year. Her story was both heartbreaking and inspiring. 

After PSCORE we went for Korean shabu shabu for lunch. There is a pan of boiling broth in the middle of the table and the diner cooks vegetables, meat and noodles. Very tasty!

     
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Sam 

My PSCORE reflections

Our visit to PSCORE People for Successful Corean Reunification was very humbling.  We listened to the experiences of a young North Korean defector who escaped the poverty and subjugation of her childhood to seek freedom and opprtunity in Seoul. While her journey was perilous, it seems like there is still a hard road ahead for such a young person setting forth alone.  Supported by the PSCORE, her church and financially the Korean government, she is busy studying, learning English and aspiring to a university education.  It speaks to her determination to seek a better life, but ultimately she spoke of her desire for freedom.  I couldn't help but reflect on how much our freedom is taken for granted in countries like Australia. Freedoms like the power to choose the direction our life will take, where we live, our faith, to travel, are expectations that we don't even question. Today I was reminded that freedom should not be taken for granted and that we have a responsibility to support organisations that work for ensuring the basic freedoms that we enjoy in Australia. As educators we have an important role to play.

Tracey

North Korea experiences

I watched some amazing Ted Talks recently and wanted to share them after an amazing experience this morning at PSCORE. 

http://www.ted.com/talks/joseph_kim_the_family_i_lost_in_north_korea_and_the_family_i_gained?utm_source=email&source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ios-share

http://www.ted.com/talks/hyeonseo_lee_my_escape_from_north_korea?utm_source=email&source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ios-share

http://www.ted.com/talks/suki_kim_this_is_what_it_s_like_to_teach_in_north_korea?utm_source=email&source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ios-share

Fiona 

Great photo of the whole group

Seoul Searching

The first official day of the programme started with a meeting for all New Zealand and Australian participants. Our tour guide extraordinaire Stephanie taught us all about Korean protocol, language and customs. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the Korean culture and also the other people in the group. 

After the meeting we took the subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace where the Korean royal family used to live. After the Japanese occupation during WW2 the Korean royal family in a sense 'died out' due to intermarriage with the Japanese royal family. The buildings at the palace were absolutely beautiful! Stephanie explained the difference between Korean and Chinese architecture, and discussed the traditional roles of the royal family. 

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A walk around the royal palace was followed by a sighting of the Blue House, which is the residence of the Korean president. There were lots of security and police around that area, and traffic was monitored closely. We continued to walk towards central Seoul and had lunch in a popular area which was very busy. Our meal was a local Korean dish made up of egg, rice, vegetables and beef. There was also a selection of kimchi and other Korean delicacies to share. 

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After a bit of shopping in the arts & crafts area of Seoul, we had a look around Bukchon Hanok Village which is an old suburban part of Seoul. The old houses in that area are made in the traditional Korean style, and are maintained to this day. It used to be property owned solely by the wealthy upper class of Koreans, but this is not so strictly enforced anymore. 

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​In the evening, the New Zealand group headed out to do a bit of shopping and eating in the Myeong-Dong area. The late night markets, shops and food stalls were all buzzing with people out for the Chuseok public holiday (harvest festival). 

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​Overall, an interesting and busy first day. 

Simone

Day 2 Korea Studies Workshop

  

Well what a day...we walked a comfortable 12km today. But we walked around Gyeongbokgung Palace and it was sensational. Such a massive learning experience for the group as well. Our guide, Im (Stephanie) was a wealth of knowledge and really made the palace come to life with the information she gave us. It was a hot day, 29 degree celsius which is unusual in Seoul this time of year but made for some stunning photo opportunities.

After the Palace, we went to see the Blue House, (home of the Korean President) and then onto Bukchon Hanok Village, which is a traditional village amid a bustling modern metropolis. Very eye opening, very amazing to think that people live in these buildings and put up with thousands of tourists walking around their houses all day. I must thank them for that because it was pretty sweet.

Lastly we walked to Cheonggyecheon Stream which has been restored to a sustainable green space within the city. We walked along the stream back to the hotel and now here we are, resting our feet and trying to figure out what is on the menu for dinner, it seems like it will be street food in Myeongdong.

Thank you, Jay Warren

Attached are two pictures from the Palace and Village

Day 1, let's get started

Excited to get started. 

Let's go to the 'Seoul' of Korea!

Bad puns aside, I still can't believe this is happening. I'm very excited about seeing the sights of the mega city Seoul and then travelling out to the quaint Yangdongmaeul Village. I'm looking forward to learning more about South Korea's history and the different social and economic initiatives, especially the People for Successful Reunification (PSCORE) and educational programmes, that they've put in place. Two more sleeps!

Olivia

Seoul power

Jakub from Auckland here. Can't believe that the craziness of Term 3 is over and we are only 4 days away from a brand new full on adventure. Hard to pick one thing that I'm really excited about - to be honest just being in South Korea which is full of so much history will be exciting...I think Seoul in general will be a highlight...I love busy, global cities which are full of life and many hidden gems...the Seoul olympics of 1988 are one of my first sporting memories that I remember watching as a 6 year old, so being there is person will be awesome...the food...the cultural experience and of course the historical links to the Korean War will all be amazing...

See you all on Sunday...

Jakub

Asian Experience

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I am really looking forward to learn as much I can in this trip to Korea. Food is great I hear - so yes , I am eager to have a taste of some Korean spice.

Visiting temples and the Blue house will just be an awesome experience. I can't wait to visit the schools and learn about the education system that Korea has. It just seems there is so much to learn about this wonderful country. My students are excited and just want me to get photos and stories of the boarder while my daughter has made a list with "hello kitty" stuffs.

Looking forward to meet people and learn new ideas .

Aman

Everything

I think my title sums up what I am looking forward to:  Everything. If I have to choose three main highlights they will be trying unusual food, attending a Korean bath house, ​and going to the DMZ.

It was great spending the day with my fellow Kiwi's 10 days ago. Looking forward to meeting the Aussies.

Sandy 

Are we there yet?

It's hard to say what I'm most looking forward to as I am excited about all of it! Just the fact we have this amazing opportunity to get to experience Korea first hand. One of the big highlights for me will be meeting the high school students and sharing a meal with a Korean family.

See you all bright and early on Sunday!

Shelley

What Tauira is most looking forward to

Kia Ora!

I am very excited about our trip! It's coming up so fast and I'm still in a bit of disbelief that I get the opportunity to participate in this workshop... thank you so much to the Asia New Zealand Foundation! 

I am most looking forward to meeting our Australian colleagues and exploring another country... I haven't traveled this far from Aotearoa before so I'm really looking forward to experiencing Korean culture and ways of life. See you all very soon! 

Tauira 

A Teachable Moment

So today my flatmate earnestly checked with me that we weren't going to North Korea... She has now had a full briefing of the activities in order of excitement and is pleased to know we will go to the DMZ but no further. I am looking forward to going to the 38th parallel as I think it will give a whole new understanding to the divide between the Two Koreas and the impact that it has. My Year 9 students are eagerly awaiting lots of photos too. Otherwise I am really looking forward to the Stream Rehabilitation, trying all of the delicious food, experiencing Korean culture and the Cat Cafe! This time next week we will be there ... Can't wait!

Eleanor

Sent from my iPhone

I excited to the bones!

This is going to be an amazing trip! We have a great cohort of teachers to share these exciting experiences with! I am most looking forward to the sightseeing! Getting out and about in Seoul and learning about their culture and heritage and their way of life! The high school and home visits will be enlightening for me I am sure!

Nicola

From Jay

Hello everyone,

Am I getting excited and what am I getting most excited about?

Well it is hard to know where to start. I think I am most looking forward to the amazing cultural activities we have on the agenda. Going to Korea House and the "off the charts" meal and show….heading down to Gyeongju and Ulsan……meeting with and developing constructive partnerships with South Korean professionals. The list goes on and on.  I think topping my list at the moment (it changes nearly hourly) is heading to the de-militarised zone and seeing the stream/rehabilitation program. I do have a sustainability side to my pedagogies and this is something that I am very interested in. Seeing how, in the middle of a truly international metropolis, a river/stream can be sustainably re-vitalised, restored and preserved is high on list of must sees and excite-o-meter.

Another excite-o-meter topper will be seeing all the things, experiencing all the (what I thought were once in a lifetime) experiences that I saw 8 years ago. Also, seeing the contrast between rural kiwi schools and their urban Korean counterparts.

Pic: Otorohanga College

 

Jay Warren

Urban green space

I am excited about everything! But I am really looking forward to visiting the Cheonggyecheon stream as I am interested in the development of green spaces in an urban environment. It was a 16m wide elevated highway until 2003 and I am hoping to use it to develop a unit for sustainability. I'm also looking forward to a run around and up Namsan Mountain.

Sam

Less than 2 weeks to go!

I am really looking forward to our upcoming trip to South Korea! I am most looking forward to visiting the DMZ and to experiencing a bit of Korean culture. Exploring Seoul will be great, and the itinerary looks fantastic. Thank you Asia New Zealand Foundation for this great opportunity!
Simone 

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Excitement grows

I am so excited about the upcoming trip to Korea. I am most looking forward to meeting the students and heading to a family's home for dinner. I am also very keen to hear from a refugee from North Korea as I am passionate about Social Justice and hearing about their experiences I am sure will be very emotional.

I have attached a photo of some gorgeous Korean ladies I found on google. 

Fiona