Park Geun-hye Supplement VIII

A taste of Korean culture through Monthly Cultural Program

Native English teachers working in Korea were invited as part of the Monthly Cultural Program hosted by KOCIS to see non-verbal performance The Tal, a mix of taekwondo, percussion, traditional Korean dance, and b-boying.

Native English teachers working in Korea were invited to see non-verbal performance The Tal, which features a mix of taekwondo, traditional Korean dance, percussion, and b-boying.

“I love the variety and diversity of the entire show because it was dramatic, chilling, and romantic,” said American teacher Julie Brown after the show. “It was my first experience with this type of entertainment in Korea. I am very happy to know that this program for foreigners living in Korea like me will be held on a regular basis. I will recommend it to everyone.”

Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS), which is under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, plays host to a series of monthly cultural events to give foreign residents in Korea a valuable opportunity to better understand and experience Korean culture.

According to the statistics announced by the Ministry of Justice, the number of foreign residents living in Korea reached around 1.5 million and that of tourists from other countries surpassed ten million in 2012.

Amid the growing interest among foreigners in Korea, this Monthly Cultural Program is expected to satiate the longing for broadening their knowledge about Korea by offering a chance to experience the culture through various hands-on experiences and arts and cultural performances.

As part of the Monthly Cultural Program hosted by KOCIS, foreign residents of Korea will be invited to the 2013 Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung on April 26, where they will feel the beauty of the palace in the moonlight. The photo shows a night view of Juhamnu Pavilion (royal library) in Huwon, also known as Rear Garden

The next event for April, titled the 2013 Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung will take place on April 26, where a group of invited foreigners will see, hear, smell, taste, and feel the beauty of Changdeokgung, one of the five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897).

There will be a chance to see traditional performances and taste tea and cakes, as well as touring Injeongjeon Hall (throne hall), Buyeongji Pond, and Bulromun Gate (where people used to wish for good health and long life of the king).

In May, selected participants will be taken to the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History where documents showing the modern and contemporary history of Korea are on display. Through this program, they will get a whole picture of Korea’s development in every aspect ranging from politics and economy to society and culture.

KOCIS plans to hold further invitational cultural events for foreign residents on a monthly basis in an effort to help them better understand Korean culture.

“Mixed with other foreign cultures, the Hallyu (also called “Korean wave”) phenomenon was able to develop into a new type of culture enjoyed by many people all around the world,” said director Woo Jin-yung of KOCIS.

“Likewise, I hope that this monthly cultural program will allow our culture to mingle with foreigners here in Korea, leading to boosting the value of Korean culture.”

The invitees will explore traditional Korean arts performances as part of the moonlight tour at Changdeokgung