Current Issue »


 2007 Spring
 2006 Summer
 2006 Spring
 2006 Winter


 Home »

2006_spring
WLE Newsletter Seoul, Korea

WLE Newsletter - Summer 2006
Inside this edition:

 WLE Workshop 1 – How to wear a Hanbok and take a bow (Jeol)
 WLE Workshop 2 : Hanji gongye (Korean Paper Art) - Making Jewelry Boxes
 WLE Student Activities - Insadong & Royal Costumes
 WLE Student Excursion - A nighttime boat trip on the Han River
 A Glimpse into the Classroom – Elementary Korean
 WLE Student Interview: Candice Ruiz


WLE Workshop 1 – How to wear a Hanbok and take a bow (Jeol)

For WLE bow workshop, we gathered at the Folk House Village. The village is located in the center of Seoul and we were amazed to see the traditional houses surrounded by all the modern buildings.

When we got into the house Mrs Park, the etiquette teacher, took us to the old-fashion living room that is now used as the classroom to learn proper Korean etiquette. First, we started the lesson by wearing the traditional dress called ‘Hanbok.’ The right size of the dress was prepared already in front of our seats. Wearing a Hanbok was easier than we expected but we didn’t know that we (especially the girls) had to wear so many layers to give the dress more volume. Then we learned how to make a pretty bow on the top with a ribbon. The boy’s Hanboks didn’t have the ribbon on the top but they had to tie up the trousers at the bottom.

Learning how to make a pretty bow on the top

When we were perfectly suited in our Hanboks, we learned how to sit properly. There were so many different ways to sit. Depending on whom you are sitting with, you assume a different sitting position. For example, when you are sitting with elderly people, it is polite to sit in a knee down position.

Michelle and Candice,
ready to wear hanbok
Mrs. Park is checking ties at the bottom of the trousers The boys sitting politely!

The hardest lesson came next. We learned how to bow. Greeting with a full bow is not an everyday thing in Korea but we were told that it is the most polite way of greeting. For weddings, ancestor worship ceremonies, and special days like Lunar New Year, Koreans greet the elderly with a full bow. The style of the bow was totally different for men and women. For women, they must put their right hand on the top but for boys, it was totally opposite.

We had to move slowly to the next step and it was hard to balance the body when we sat down and bend our upper bodies to the ground.

Everybody was so pleased with the opportunity to try on a Hanbok. It was also an unforgettable experience learning how to make a full body bow.

Beautiful ladies in Hanboks! Making a bow Candice and Michael
taking senior role


Miss Candice (US) and Michelle (Canada) David (US) “sitting on the floor wasn’t easy but it’s an awesome experience!” Group picture after the lesson


WLE Workshop 2 : Hanji gongye (Korean Paper Art) - Making Jewelry Boxes

Today we met again at the Folk House Village to make Hanji Jewelry boxes. It was a perfect day to sit on Maru (wooden floor in the living room) and the lesson got started with the brief history of Korean paper.

The special skill used to make the Korean paper (Hanji) was discovered about 1600 years ago. Compare to other paper, it lasted longer because it was made 100% of Mulberry trees. The multi-layered paper is as strong as wood and people used to make house wares, such as plates and boxes, with it. It was later developed as Hanji Gongye (Paper art). The paper was colored with natural dyes and used to be one of the most popular exporting items to foreign countries during the Korea and Josun dynasties.

All ingredients were already prepared and one of the most interesting ingredients was the traditional glue. It was made of sticky rice and was very watery. We had to use a brush to apply the glue. Some elaborate skills were required when glueing the paper onto the box but we all ended having pretty jewelry boxes. It will be a great souvenir from Seoul.

Students making Hanji jewelry boxes on the open wooden floor, called “Maru.” Austin (America) absorbed in making Korean traditional crafts Brian (America) listening to the teacher’s advice

Candice (America) and Michelle (Canada) are delighted with their works Mary (America) said “Harmony of Korean color is beautiful!” David, Michael, Brian (America) enjoying Korean traditional experiences


WLE Student Activities - Insadong & Royal Costumes
On a typical hot summer day, WLE students gathered at ‘Insadong’.
Insadong is one of the ‘must-see’ tourist areas in Seoul where you can browse the traditional Korean art shops and modern art galleries.

First, we had a quick tour around Insadong and found an interesting restaurant. The restaurant was very traditional looking with appropriate traditional music. We all tried Bibimbab (mixed rice) with tea. The meal was great!! Since it is so close to the school, we could come here everyday for lunch!!

Even Korean language signboards can be good practice for students! Janine and Mary (America) in front of a traditional doll store Janine, David, Brian (America) bought World Cup supporter T-shirt


Austin explaining about traditional tea ”Omija-cha” at restaurant All students ordered different flavors of traditional tea and shared their opinion Student tasting Bibimbab (mixed rice), one of the famous dishes in Korea

After lunch, we moved to the Seoul History Museum. Another good thing about Seoul is that there are so many museums and galleries to visit. The Seoul History Museum is rather small but there are many activities that all the visitors can participate in. One of the most popular activities is wearing the Royal Costumes. With the help from a volunteer, we had an opportunity to experience what it was like to be an ancient Korean King or Queen.

Janine(America) in a
queen’s dress
The new King & Queen
of Korea!
The volunteer explains
the proper way to
wear the gowns

The perfect looking couple Little prince & princess A king with dignity!

Everyone said Michael (America) looked like a real Korean King Candice taking a photo with a Korean student in the Museum


WLE Student Excursion - A nighttime boat trip on the Han River
The Han River originates from Taebak-si in Gangwon province and the total length is 481.7 km. It runs through Seoul from east to west and provides the local citizens with many ecological parks and conservations.

The night view of Seoul is one of the most recommended tourist attractions. The night boat trip on the Han River was scheduled earlier this month but was cancelled because of the rain. We were all very eager to go out on the boat this time!

As many of the students were longing for this trip, everybody came to the meeting place earlier than actual meeting time. We walked around the riverfront and had a cup of tea at the cafeteria until the boat was ready to take us on our tour.

David, Brian, Michelle (America) in front of one of the Han River Bridges Student having fun taking photos on the ferry Kelvin (America) with the 63 Building

Say ‘Gimchi’! WLE Group picture

It was about an hour-long trip around the Han River. The boat passed the National Assembly, 63 Stories Building, LG Twins Building and all the famous Seoul landmarks. The night view of Seoul was just so amazing and it deserves to be called one of the most beautiful attractions in Seoul.



A Glimpse into the Classroom – Elementary Korean

The Elementary level Korean class is for students who know the Korean alphabet and have no problem reading words. All of our classmates have studied Korean before and for some of them it took less than a few days to master the Korean alphabet. As long as you know the 10 vowels and 14 consonants of the Korean alphabet, you will be able to read Korean texts.

Our teacher, Ms. Yoo, is one of the younger teachers at KLI. She is very enthusiastic and cute. She tries hard to only speak Korean in class. When there is something that we don’t understand, she draws a picture or explains it using body language.

Cheerful Yoo sensangnim!

We were told that we would study the ‘negative form’ and today’s lesson started with the grammar structure of the negative form. Ms. Yoo wrote the simple grammar rules on the board and taught us the basics of making negative sentence. Then she showed us a paper with pictures. Each of us had to tell her what each picture meant using a full sentence in Korean. We had studied some of them before so it was a good review. For those who didn’t know how to say the sentence in Korean, other would try to help until we all got the right sentence.

The next step was to make the sentence negative. Using the same pictures on the paper, we practiced making negative sentences. Our next task was hard but interesting.
Each of us had to make a story using negative sentences. A few minutes were given to think about the story and then we had to go in front of the class and tell everybody the story.

Happy with Kevin’s answer Hard-working students Everybody is creating a story

Some students were embarrassed about going in front of the class at first, but after few practices, everybody enjoyed sharing with the others in the class.
The best thing about our class is the relationship among students. We all became one big family. We laugh at someone’s mistake but no one takes it seriously. Thanks to a kind teacher and wonderful classmates, coming to class is a great joy!!

Austin has an idea!! Princess Mary! That is what she wrote on the board Justin is telling us his interesting story!


WLE Student Interview: Candice Ruiz

Name: Candice Ruiz
Country of Residence: United States
Citizenship: American
Profession: Preschool
Education Background: University Student
Brief Work History: Hotel sales, marketing
Language Spoken: Spanish, English
Hobbies: Movies


Is this your first time in Korea?
Yes

Why did you decide to study Korean Language?
To better understand the Korean movies I watch.

How are you finding your studies in Korea?
The class is a little hard but speaking to people on the streets and friends makes remembering what I’ve learnt a lot easier.

How do you like Seoul?
I love it and the people. It is a lot of walking but sometimes I forget that time exists here.

What do you find most interesting in Seoul?
The people. They are so respectful and the service here is the best!!

How has your experience in Korea changed you, if it has?
I am way more open to the ways of others.

How did you like your lodging house?
It is a lot better than I expected. My landlord lady was nice and there is good privacy. I had no problems. It was also in perfect area, Shinchon.

Tell us a few memorable experiences in Seoul/ Korea.
Meeting new people that I became close with instantly. I loved every excursion.

What is the thing you like best about Seoul/ Korea?
The cheap prices of everything.

Will you come to Seoul again?
There is a high chance.

Please tell us your experience with a language exchange partner. Did the language exchange program help you improve Korean skills?
I absolutely loved her. She was so nice and when she taught me Korean, I understood it way better. We actually became friends on a personal level.

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Korea?
Bring an umbrella, a lot of money, many clothes and all you need to learn first is:
‘Gamsahamnida (Thank You!).

Back to Top


WLE-Australia WLE-France WLE-China WLE-Japan WLE-Spain WLE-Germany