In celebration of our host country, time was set aside during the weeks of April 18 and April 25 for elementary students to experience the food, crafts, artistry, and beauty of Korea. 

Taste: 

On Monday, April 18, fifth-grade students launched us into our celebration of Korean culture with Kimbap (김밥) making in the cafeteria. The cafeteria was buzzing with excitement as we welcomed parent volunteers on campus and students enjoyed a self-made snack. Throughout the week, all other grade levels followed suit, spreading rice (밥), selecting fillings, and rolling seaweed (김) into rolls that were expertly sliced by our parent volunteers. J&J also hosted an Experience Korea menu on our closing day, featuring bibimbap (비빔밥) and Korean street food items. 

Make:

In collaboration with the National Museum, each student was able to participate in a Korean traditional art activity. After receiving a brief lesson on the history of ceramics (celadon) in Korea, kindergarten and first-grade students used brushes dipped in various shades of cobalt blue to design their own ceramic tumblers. From flowers to pokemon, butterflies to “Love You,” the students’ dark brushstrokes stood out in stark contrast to the pale pink ceramic backdrop. After being fired on-site, the museum will deliver student creations to school, and many students shared their plans to gift their mugs to siblings or parents! 

Second and third graders received an overview of Korean metalwork, before having the opportunity to etch a custom design into their own piece of metal. Students were able to view traditional Korean metalcrafts and practice drawing a design before trying one of their own. Once drawn, students used a metal chisel tool to etch their personalized designs. Following the trip, students’ metal designs were affixed to a small mirror and sent to YISS for the students to take home. 

Our fourth and fifth-grade students were our final groups to visit the Education Center at the museum, where they learned about traditional folding fans known as hapjukseon (합죽선). Students then created their own watercolor designs on the open face of the paper fan. And while most students chose to adorn their fans with iconic Korean nature scenes - including cherry blossoms, magpies, and wildflowers - SpongeBob also made an appearance for a modern twist to this traditional art form. 

Watch:

Squeals of enthusiasm could be heard in the hallways on Friday, April 29, as students reacted to a stunning taekwondo demonstration performance by a team of university students. With exquisite choreography and a modern soundtrack, students and staff alike were in awe of the punching and kicking that was on display. The head-height leaps, spinning jump kicks, and aerial board-breaking bounds across the courtyard were met with thunderous applause in this stunning presentation. 

Go:

With the easing of COVID restrictions, each grade level was able to embark on an off-campus trip for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Students in grades kindergarten through third took to the trails as they walked through Namsan Park for a time of exploration and wonder. Teachers and parent volunteers worked together to guide students through the winding trails of the park, observing tadpoles, insects, birds, and fish, all in their natural habitats. Students were able to enjoy a few hours off-campus, enjoying the local flora and fauna, engaging in hands-on activities connected to previous science lessons. 

Fourth-grade students spent the afternoon of Thursday, April 21, 2022, roaming the halls of the Lotte Folk Museum. The exhibits featured artifacts and displays from ancient times through the Japanese colonial period. Students took in the sights of traditional architecture and sculptures, donned costumes for interactive photo spots, and partook in (mock) rice harvesting activities. Included in the exhibits were areas for students to see - and pose as if partaking in - flogging an offender (gonjang, 곤장) and leg-screw punishment (juri, 주리).  And of course, students were able to play games of yut nori (윷놀이) and tuho (투호) before traveling back to campus. 

On Friday, April 22, fifth-graders boarded buses bound for Suwon Folk Village. There, the individual chaperone groups were given free rein to explore the grounds, and students spent the day exploring the Market Village, Folk Village, and Bazar areas of the site. Many groups stopped to enjoy pungmul (풍물), the traditional dancing, singing, and drumming that is rooted in Korean agricultural life. Life-sized yut nori (윷놀이) games were played and outdoor meals enjoyed as the students learned about life from the Joseon period. 

After all of the activities and trips, students and staff alike were able to experience new and exciting parts of Korean culture. With such amazing activities this year, we look forward to experiencing more and more in the years to come!