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