A Korean Tour with a Difference

Five students of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) relished the opportunity to experience and discover the wonders of South Korea when they participated in the 12th 'Korean Language and Culture Training Programme' organised by Mokpo National University (MNU) and held from 27 July 2009 to 6 August 2009 in Mokpo, South Korea.

Mokpo is a port city tucked away in the southwest corner of the Korean Peninsula. UTAR students - Ivan Ooi Jieun Vei, Ooi Chee Choon, Tee Rhu Ling, Wong Jianhui and Yee Hui Juin - were provided free food and accommodation during their stay in Mokpo by MNU.

During the insightful programme, the students were taken around Mokpo to visit several interesting attractions there. Among some of the places they visited were the Bosung Daehan Dawon tea plantation, the Korean National Maritime Museum, the Hyundai-Samho ship building company, the Muan Hoesan White Lotus Habitat and the beautiful Jin-do Island. They also explored Mokpo city itself and got caught in the celebration of the Mokpo Maritime Festival.

The programme included a special temple stay in Dae-heung temple, a historical Buddhist temple in South Korea. During their temple stay, the students were given the opportunity to dress like monks and perform a number of monk rituals.

Most significantly, the programme enabled the students to discover the Korean language and culture first hand. Among some elements of the culture that they learned were the Korean tea culture, Korean traditional food preparation, Korean traditional instruments, Korean pottery, Korean dance and Korean traditional costume, called 'Hanbok'. Apart from that, the students were given free Korean language and history classes.

In describing her experience in the programme, Tee commented, "The accommodation arrangements made by MNU were brilliant as we were assigned to stay with the other participants from different countries. This helped us to enhance our communication skills throughout the programme."

She added, "The visits to various places of historical and cultural values had impressed me and helped me to further enhance my understanding of Korea."

Ooi Chee Choon said, "Korea is a country that I never thought I would visit. However, because of this programme, I was given the opportunity to visit this country."

"After joining the programme, I began to seriously fall in love with this wonderful country. I love the Korean culture, language as well as the warmth and friendliness of its people."

"I would like to thank UTAR for giving me the opportunity to join this programme. I am very proud to be chosen as a representative of UTAR and Malaysia in this programme," he said.

Ivan Ooi Jieun Vei admitted, "Although this programme sounded more or less like a simple paid tour, the experience that we had gained through this programme had gone far beyond an ordinary tour."

"The programme provided us with everlasting memories and friendships through wonderful, fun and open interactions. Coming from a developing country that is encountering rapid development, we can always learn from the highly capable individuals and outstanding technologies of Korea and share the knowledge and experiences that we gained through this programme to other young Malaysians."

The 'Korean Language and Culture Training Programme' is a programme organised by MNU for undergraduate students from its sister universities (or partner institutions) to learn the Korean language and Korean culture through lectures and practical experiences. The 12th 'Korean Language and Culture Training Programme' saw the participation of 26 students from seven countries.



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