Writer홍보협력팀
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2021-08-13
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KSI Brussels which was newly designated last year, had gone through many difficulties due to COVID-19, such as postponing the signboard hanging ceremony several times. However, local students who visit KSI and are interested in the Korean language and culture are rapidly increasing. In return for this warm reception, KSI Brussels has held the Sejong Culture Academy for two months, from May 5 to June 23.
The Sejong Culture Academy was conducted online due to COVID-19, receiving pre-registration and delivering the materials needed for the class to the participants. Every Wednesday when the program was held, participants had time to engage in hands-on activities while communicating with the host and Korean culture experts via Zoom. YouTube streaming was also offered in parallel to broaden participation so that anyone can watch.
Karen Northshield, a public figure, who participated as a host, and who had taken interest in the Korean culture while taking folk painting classes at KSI Brussels, has been discharged after being hospitalized for five years for the terrorist attack at the Brussels Airport in 2016. She has published her autobiography and held many seminars, giving courage and hope to many people.
The Sejong Culture Academy took its first step on May 5, with the welcome speech by Kim Jae-hwan, director of the Korean Cultural Center Belgium. The first program was a calligraphy lecture by Kim Jeong-hee, and a time to feel the beauty of Hangeul by writing Korean words such as ‘Mother, Family’, and ‘I love you’.
A week later, the second program was held, a lecture in Korean medicine by Dr. Kim Chae-young. The doctor explained the difference between Korean medicine and Chinese medicine, and demonstrated acupuncture on Karen Northshield’s hands and head. Various additional experiential programs were also conducted by inviting experts from various fields including Taekwondo, Korean traditional fermented food, Korean paper (Hanji) craft, folk painting, etc.
The participants had great time with each session, asking questions about the Korean culture. They expressed their desire to learn through more diverse programs in the future. In fact, there were many participants who sent their opinions by suggesting specific Korean culture such as Korean history, pottery, hanbok, hanji lamp, etc.
KSI Brussels plans to improve the programs by reflecting the opinions sent by the participants in the next academy. Although the Sejong Culture Academy was conducted on-line, it was a meaningful event to understand the Korean culture and emotionally bond with the local people.
