Feel Korean Experience with Summer School
For many times, I feel impressed by this rare opportunity to join in an international summer school program which held outside Japan.
Last August, 2013, represent Kumamoto University, I went to South Korea
for the first time to participate in International Summer School II,
held by University of Seoul (UOS). The participants of this summer
school program were mostly consists of Japanese students from all over
universities in Japan, 2 Chinese students, and me, the one and only
Indonesian.
Actually, the summer school program divided into four kinds of courses, Korean Language Course (Hangul),
Korean Studies Course (cultural and diplomacy), Cultural Course, and
Field Trips at several iconic places in Korea, including the legendary
Jeju Island. Because of my limited capability in Japanese language,
unfortunately, I only took the morning class, 1-1 Beginner Level class.
It was because the Korean Studies Courses were given in advanced
Japanese language and I thought I could not do the tasks which needed to
be written in Kanji. In Korean Language class, I learned to write, reading, doing conversations and make sentences with Korean language.
Hangul experience, attend Korean Language class to learn Hangul
Besides studied language theory in class, studying Korean culture
and tradition while travelling was what I got from Cultural Course and
Field Trips. We went to historical building and places in both Seoul and
Jeju Island, such as Chang Deok Gung Palace, Korea House, Altar in Mt.
Sanbangsan, Jeju traditional house in Seongeup Folk Village, and lastly,
Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum. At Korea House, we made
Korean traditional craft of hand mirror used Hanji (Korean traditional paper), wearing Hanbok (Korean traditional dress), and finally had a chance to taste Korean traditional foods called bibimbap. Taste
Korean traditional culture while enjoying the traditional atmosphere at
Korean traditional house has left me with such indescribable feeling
ever.
Hanbok experience, wearing Korean traditional clothes at Korea House
Hanji experience, making handcraft with korean paper called hanji
Chang Deok Gung Palace, was served as the residence for many kings
Another days in Seoul, I also enjoyed another taste of Korean cuisine: ddeokbokki, namyun, samgyetang, and the most interesting ones was when we experienced the cooking class, together with Korean buddies, cooking bulgogi and capcae. Some Korean non-verbal comedy shows which incorporate traditional samul nori rhythm called “Nanta”, or Korea’s martial arts like “Jump” were
also had impressed me toward their totality in entertaining audiences
and express the ‘truly taste’ of Korean show to inexperienced foreign
(like us) at the same time. Next day, we also had a chance to play
traditional music instrument used in Nanta, that is samul nori, by formed one team for our individually performance.
Bibimbap,
mixed rice and vegetables with spicy sauce, my Korean Buddy said that bibim means mixed and bap means rice
mixed rice and vegetables with spicy sauce, my Korean Buddy said that bibim means mixed and bap means rice
Ddeokbokki, steamed rice cake in spicy sauce, one of fenomenal dish from Korea
Take a chance to playing samul nori
Insa-dong street, one of my favourite place in Korea,
famous with traditional antique shop, art galleries
Once, my Korean buddy named Sohee, ever told me about 3 phrases that must be experienced if I want to know about Korean’s truly, it is Hangul, Hanbok, Hanji, where Han means
Korean. Now, I could say proudly that I already had through those 3
experiences when I joined UOS International Summer School II.
Learning new things is always become my interest, and when I was in
Korea I think I had gained a lot of important experiences. There, I learned directly about characteristics of Korean’s
life as a whole, their culture, tradition, language, behaviors, which
all have been fused in Korean people’s daily life. I am impressed by
Korean people, all Korean buddies, staffs, teachers in this summer
school program are warm, kind and fun. I also have a really good time
with my Japanese friends, whom I met for the first time there. They help
me a lot, especially towards my Japanese language barrier. This summer
school not only gives me a bunch of unforgettable moments, but also has
blessed me with a lot of new friends. In addition to both Korean and
Japanese, I made a friend with Spaniards, Singaporeans, Pakistani, and
also had a chance to gathering with Indonesian who still studies in UOS.
Tracking at Seopjikoji in Jeju Island,
which featured with savanna, retro chapel and lighthouse tower
With my Korean and Japanese buddies at Mt. Sangbangsan
Aside from what I had gained, of course I had some obstacles when I
was joined this summer school program: language barrier, weather
condition, adaptation matters on early arrival at Korea, food, etc. But,
it thanks to them who help, support and encourage me, so I can really
enjoy my summer time in Korea through UOS International Summer School II
and only left with almost good memories behind.
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