“I discovered the joy of sharing what I know.”
Meeting with Choi Ji-yeon, a 2024 Outstanding
Culture Intern of the KSI

Choi Ji-yeon, who served as a culture intern at KSI Vilnius, Lithuania, had a unique experience promoting the Korean language and culture through “Hangeul calligraphy.” She introduced the beauty of Hangeul, engaging learners who were encountering the Korean language for the first time with various activities designed to help them grasp Hangeul intuitively. Recognized for her efforts, she was selected as a 2024 Outstanding Culture Intern of the KSI. We had the opportunity to hear her firsthand experiences.

Hello! Please introduce yourself. How did you feel when you heard that you were selected as a 2024 Outstanding Culture Intern of the KSI?
 

Hello! My name is Choi Ji-yeon, and I graduated from Sahmyook University with a degree in Environmental Design and Horticulture. From September to December 2024, I was dispatched as a culture intern specializing in Hangeul calligraphy at KSI Vilnius, Lithuania.

To be honest, I knew that every culture intern at the KSI had worked hard, so I never expected to be selected as an outstanding culture intern. That’s why I was even more surprised and grateful when I received the news. It was incredibly rewarding to see my dedication as a culture intern recognized in such a meaningful way.
 
 

What motivated you to apply for the KSI culture intern? Also, was there a specific reason you chose Hangeul calligraphy as your field of activity?
 

I first learned about the KSI culture intern through my university’s academic bulletin. The fact that it counted for academic credit and provided an opportunity to promote Korean culture abroad for a semester was very appealing to me, so I decided to apply. Additionally, since I was a senior at the time, I saw this as my last opportunity to gain such an experience as a student, which made me even more eager to participate. As for my activity field, I chose Hangeul calligraphy without hesitation because it was already a personal hobby of mine.
 
 

What was your main focus when preparing for the Hangeul calligraphy class? How did you design the lessons based on the learners’ levels and interests?
 

My primary focus while preparing for the class was to make it engaging and enjoyable rather than dull. When drafting the lesson plan for the 12-week course, I structured the first two weeks to concentrate on foundational learning. After that, I ensured that each week included hands-on activities where students could create something themselves. To encourage active participation, I also brought a variety of materials from Korea.

Initially, I prepared two separate lesson plans—one for beginner learners and another for intermediate learners. However, after the enrollment process was completed, I found that most of the students were beginners. As a result, I based the lessons on the beginner-level curriculum. At first, the students focused on practicing short words and phrases, gradually progressing to writing longer sentences, allowing them to develop their skills naturally.
 
 

Can you share an activity that received the best response or a particularly memorable moment from the class?
 

While the students mentioned that all activities were memorable, the one that received the most enthusiastic response was the fan calligraphy activity. Each student wrote a phrase of their choice in Hangeul calligraphy on a traditional fan and added matching illustrations. Since fans are a distinctive part of Korean tradition, the students were even more excited and engaged in the activity.

Personally, the most unforgettable moment for me was the final class. Since it was the last session, I had prepared gifts and handwritten letters for the students. The students also brought snacks, and we enjoyed them together while conducting the lesson. I still vividly remember the emotional farewell—students tearing up, hugging one another, and sharing heartfelt final words. That moment remains one of the most touching and cherished memories of my time as a culture intern.
 
 

Did you encounter any unexpected challenges while conducting the Hangeul calligraphy class?
 

One of the biggest challenges was packing for the trip as a KSI culture intern. Since I booked my flight with a student ticket, my checked baggage allowance was 40kg in total. However, I had so many teaching materials to bring that I ended up exceeding the weight limit. I kept reducing my luggage as much as possible, but in the end, I had to leave behind many of my clothes to make space for the materials. Even then, my luggage was still 6kg over the limit, so I had to pay an additional baggage fee—but thankfully, KSIF later reimbursed me for the cost. (chuckles)
 
 

Do you feel that this experience as a KSI culture intern contributed to your growth, either as a cultural educator or personally?
 

Absolutely! Through this experience, I was able to develop greater flexibility and adaptability. From planning the lessons to wrapping up the program, I took full responsibility for every step. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned, but I learned to quickly find solutions and adjust accordingly. Living in a new cultural environment also gave me a fresh perspective on the world. I learned to see things from different angles and became more open-minded in my interactions with others. It was a valuable experience that helped me grow both as an educator and as an individual.
 
 

Learners at KSI Vilnius gave a 100% satisfaction rating for the Hangeul calligraphy class. What do you think made it so successful?
 

I believe that meticulous lesson planning and thorough preparation of teaching materials played a major role in the class’s success. Since Korean culture classes are activity-based and require active student participation, I focused on making sure the lessons were engaging and not monotonous. During the classes, I also made an effort to create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring that students could fully immerse themselves in Hangeul calligraphy. Over the 12 weeks, we explored various creative activities, including bookmark making, postcard design, crafting traditional Korean knot keychains, and decorating a 2025 calendar with calligraphy. The hands-on approach allowed students to appreciate the beauty of Hangeul while having fun, which contributed to their high level of satisfaction.
 
 

Postcards Designed by Participants
Using Hangeul Calligraphy Students Decorating a 2025 Calendar
with Hangeul Calligraphy

How do you think this experience as a KSI culture intern will influence your future career or plans? Also, do you have any advice for those who aspire to become KSI culture interns?
 

Through this experience, I discovered the joy of sharing what I know with others. More than just passing on knowledge, I found great fulfillment in the process of communicating, learning together, and growing alongside my students. This experience has inspired me to continue using culture and art as a medium to connect with people and create positive, meaningful exchanges.

Although I am not a specialist in the field, I challenged myself to share Korean culture through Hangeul calligraphy, and with thorough preparation and dedication, I was even selected as an outstanding culture intern. You don’t need to be a major in a related field to apply—if you have genuine interest and passion, you can thrive as a KSI culture intern. So, don’t hesitate—go for it!