Cultural events for foreigners introducing various Korean cultures take place

외국인을 위한 한국 문화 체험 행사 눈길… 원주 향교, 송파구 등서 개최

Close to 2 million foreigners live in South Korea... making up nearly 4 percent of the population.
Various cultural events are held to introduce Korean culture and help them adjust.
Kim Jung-sil went to check it out.

What you are looking at is a traditional Korean school called "Hyanggyo".
This one was built during the Goryeo dynasty some 9 centuries ago...
In the past, Hyanggyo served as what we would now call middle or high schools.
Around a dozen foreigners from around the world began their day by learning about traditional Korean clothing, the Hanbok.
They then headed outside to the yard of Hyanggyo and tried their hand at making Korean rice cake, "Tteok".

“Foreigners from countries including the U.S., China, and Vietnam gathered here in Hyanggyo of Wonju city, in order to experience various Korean cultures… one of which is 'Tteok Mechigi', a traditional way of making rice cake by pounding rice.”

“I feel closer to my wife’s culture and I feel closer to my daughter’s culture. So, it’s like my culture now.”

I asked the principal of the Hyanggyo why he held this event.
"I thought that by learning Korean culture the foreigners will be able to bond with Korean people and live more happily here."


Another event was held in Seoul’s Songpa-gu district.
This time, a Korean cooking class for foreigners.
It's an annual event to teach foreigners how to make Korean dishes from scratch.
This year's menu was a fusion between Korean food and western dishes, Bulgogi Fajita and Truffle Tteokbokki.
“It is very important to give them the opportunity or the experience of Korean culture.”

“So Korean food is very good for them.”

Another event held by the district to attract visitors was a "Luminarie festival" at the district's Seokchonhosu lake... where some of the most beautiful scenery that Seoul can offer is on display.

"It's very nice, it's very beautiful, there are a lot of lights. It has a very Christmassy atmosphere."
Local authorities said they are hosting the events in the hope that many foreigners will visit to learn and understand South Korean culture.
Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

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2022-11-07, 21:00 (KST)