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 😻