“Annyeonghaseyo”, we are at Korean language camp
NO one could have predicted how big an impact Korean drama “Winter Sonata” made when it aired on TV more than 16 years ago.
Malaysians of all ages have been captivated by Korean pop culture since then, creating the “Korean wave” or Hallyu - a term which is more commonly known among many.
Because of the fascination of K-pop culture, Malaysians especially the younger ones, are making the effort to learn the Korean language.
Recognising that there is a growing number of Korean-language speakers in the country, the King Sejong Institute at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) organised the “First Korean Language Camp for 10 Malaysian Middle School Students” at its campus in Bangi.
Annyeonghaseyo (hello), replied some 200 excited teenagers when Korean language teacher Rhee Kie Houne addressed them at the start of the first Korean Language camp.
The participants from 10 secondary schools had a full day to practise their Korean language skills while they played Hankuk Jeontong Nori (traditional Korean games) such as Yut-nori, Tuho, Jegi-chagi, Gonggi-nori and Ttakji-chigi.
Students were also treated to authentic Korean food such as bibimbap (Korean mixed rice), tteok (Korean rice cakes) and kimchi pancakes, as well as performances from fellow students.
The purpose of the one-day event was to promote a deeper understanding of Korean culture and languange to Malaysian students.
Schools that participated in the camp were SMK Taman Bunga Raya 1, Rawang; SMK Bukit Sentosa 2, Rawang; SMS Perempuan Seremban; SMS Tuanku Munawir, Seremban; SMS Kuala Selangor; SMS Selangor, Kuala Lumpur; SMS Alam Shah, Kuala Lumpur; SMS Seri Puteri, Kuala Lumpur; Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, Putrajaya; and Sekolah Seri Puteri, Cyberjaya.
UKM Faculty of Arts, Social Science and Humanities dean Prof Dr Mohd Fuad Mat Jali, who launched the one-day event, said he was happy that students were having a good time by learning a new culture through games and activities.
“UKM is proud to host this Korean Language Camp, which is the first of such camps organised by a public university.
“I am glad the participants are enjoying themselves,” he said, noting that UKM is one of the first higher learning institutions to offer Korean language in its syllabus.
Representing Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia Dr Toh Kyung Hwan was its First Secretary Chong Woo Soong, who started his posting in Malaysia in February last year.
Delighted to see how enthusiastic the students were, Chong believed the event would let young Malaysians understand the country’s history and its people.
Good relationships between countries can be forged when there is understanding among each other, he noted.
“In our policy there are three main pillars - prosperity, peace and people - the most important being people.
“Our president (Moon Jae-in) believes that through people, there is an exchange of culture and education, so we are now concentrating on promoting Korean language studies overseas.
“Language is the best way to get to know friends. I hope there will be more camps such as this,” he said.
He added that it is easy for South Korea and Malaysia to share and exchange culture and education as both are Asian countries.
“Hence, we share many of the same values like love for the family, being hardworking, patriotism and some common history,” he noted.
King Sejong Institute director and camp organiser Prof Ryu Seung Wan, who has been a Korean language lecturer in UKM since 1993, said the camp was beneficial to the students who would learn about Korean culture through their traditional games and activities.
“It also promotes socialising among the students from the 10 schools. They meet, mingle and get to know each other,” he said, adding that he was glad that UKM and the school principals involved were supportive of the initiative.