Experiencing new things that relates to modern Korea during the first week has given me a deeper understanding of Korea’s history. Knowing that most junior high and high school Koreans today spend time studying, I question myself about how these students can practice the Korean culture, yet I also know that studying for exams and competition is part of the Korean culture. Many SNUE students (future teachers) that I talked find it hard to like the Korean educational system. This is mainly about junior high and high school. Hagwons were the key to academic success for top students and I haven’t heard about how one becomes successful without hagwons. Hagwons provides all kinds of academic focuses but also for cultural activities like for musical instruments. Korean traditional culture in the modern world is something that can help new generations appreciate the Korean traditional culture in a different way. Korean traditional culture practices are also extra-curricular activities that can be loved by non-Koreans. I learned about the Korean traditional instrument called “Gayageum.” I think these kinds of traditional activities can help benefit young Koreans in their academic development.
