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."
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