From Kpop, to Kdramas, to Korean cuisine, to the language itself, people all over the world are slowly recognizing the rich and lively culture of Korea.
Joining the trend of expanding Korean culture, students have developed the Korean Language Club in hopes of being able to incorporate the culture into the school grounds.
The Korean Language Club started during 2020 with Zoom meetings focused on learning to read and write in Korean. Senior President Rachel Bahn and her fellow friends joined together for their motives of wanting to spread the knowledge of Korea to non-Koreans. Similar to last year, weekly Wednesday meetings have been scheduled during lunch at room G22.
From learning about traditional Korean history and culture, studying Hangul (Korean language), practicing common phrases, playing traditional Korean games and sharing Korean snacks, the club strives to do it all for the students interested. The officers eagerly host their meetings for more representation for those willing to learn.
“We hope to create a fun learning environment where everyone is welcomed and where students can strengthen relationships through sharing common interests in various aspects of Korean culture,” Bahn said.
Lessons and activities are carefully devised among the officers aiming for the best and memorable learning environment. Wanting to immerse students in the Korean language and Korean culture through exciting activities and engaging instruction, the officers work hard to achieve their goal.
“Weekly lessons are all well planned and thought-out by Rachel, and being a student in the class, I have lots of fun learning along with everyone else,” senior Vice President Allison Lee said.
The club also provides opportunities outside of the classroom for students of all levels to develop their language proficiency and appreciate Korean culture.
We hope to be able to teach the members to fluently speak and understand Korean comfortably for whatever reason they are trying to learn the language.
— senior Secretary Lauren Manguelle
One reason many students want to learn Korean and its culture is for any possible future trips or plans to Korea or even having close relatives who talk in Korean. Kpop has also been an immense influence on the culture wave such as popular groups like BTS, Blackpink and Twice.
“We are learning Korean to prepare students for whatever goals they want to achieve individually i.e. traveling to Korea, talking to grandparents, friends, and more in Korean,” Bahn said.
