Students taking Korean language classes at the University gathered at Eugene’s Korean Presbyterian Church over the weekend for a picnic celebrating Korean cuisine and culture.
University Professor Bomi Oh, the main organizer behind the picnic, started the program in 2008 and has been putting it on once a term ever since.@@http://pages.uoregon.edu/eall/faculty-and-staff/oh/@@
“When we were a part of (World Language Academy), the director suggested that we plan a cultural event,” Oh said. “Even after we made the switch to East Asian Languages, we’ve continued to host this event because we believe it is a very meaningful activity for the students.”
The event, which ran from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., got off to a fun start with a Taekwondo demonstration and a lesson from James Lee, a grand master and founder of the local U.S. Taekwondo College Inc. He brought some of his students and together they taught the basics of the Korean martial arts. With 49 years of experience and a former trainer of the US Olympics Team, Lee brought enthusiasm to the event early in the morning.
“Taekwondo is about positive thinking, talking, and acting,” Lee said.
In addition to learning the basic moves of Taekwondo, Oh also planned activities for the students to prepare a traditional dish, perform a skit of a cultural folk tale and learn a K-pop dance and song ensemble. The church cafeteria was filled with laughter and cheering as the students attempted to imitate the Korean pop groups’ dance moves.
Although the activities were geared so students would be able to enjoy their time as much as possible, most of those involved believed it was more valuable than just the fun times. As this was a picnic for all students taking any level of Korean class, it was the responsibility of the third and fourth year students to help the first and second year students.
“I’m not the type of person to be outgoing and introduce myself to people,” University senior Jina Hyun said. “Being a fourth year, it makes me step out of my comfort zone and assume a leadership position. While helping others, I also realize my problems in the language, and this helps me to keep progressing.”
Oh also sees the picnic not only as a way for students to have fun and immerse them further in the Korean culture but also as a way to connect students taking the language.
“Some students have a hard time feeling like they fit in, and the picnic helps some students to feel like they’re a part of a group,” Oh said. “Although putting on the picnics is very stressful and exhausting, it’s very rewarding at the same time to see how much the students enjoy it while improving their Korean skills.”
Student picnic celebrates Korean culture
Daily Emerald
November 12, 2011
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