The Korean History and Culture Seminar for Educators opened via Zoom in June 20, 2024 with participants from all over the country, even South Korea. From educators to high school students, over forty participants gathered to engage and learn about Korea’s history and culture. Thanks to the informative lectures prepared by the speakers, 2024 NKS Seminar became a very enlightening time for everyone.
Day 1:
The Road to Success: Political Development and Economic Growth of South Korea-Jennifer Jung-Kim
With brief introduction, the seminar began with the first lecture “The Political Development and Economic Growth of South Korea” by Dr. Jennifer Jung-Kim. Teaching courses on the history and cultures of Korea and East Asia in UCLA Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, the International & Area Studies program, and the Honors Collegium program, Dr. Jennifer Jung-Kim enjoys designing new courses and incorporating Reacting to the past historical role-playing games into them. Selected for a UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award, she works closely with K-12 educators to incorporate Korea into their education curricula.
Discussing of the Political and Economic establishment of South Korea, Jennifer Jung-Kim explained the historical time period of Korea, from Joseon Dynasty ending in 1910 to Korea’s Democratization in 1987. While Korea was undergoing major changes, its government and frugality were growing rapidly. Undergoing occupation and colonialism, and experiencing shifts from the Civil and Cold War, Korea was divided in 1945 and by 1948, and the Republic of Korea was established along with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Throughout the several decades, presidents of Korea brought different progress to nation with their political movements. During the changes of political powers, there were rising voices of both student and adult protestors to fight against injustice and struggles that came along the way. With the blood, sweat and tears of Korean people (gook-min) and leaders, various attempts of democratization, reconstruction, and industrialization were made and Korea began to build elevated highways (such as Chung-Gae-Cheon) in the 1950s, construction buildings in 1980s, high-tech industries who are producers of worldly recognized semiconductors/chips, and electronics/auto ships by 2000s. With Korea people’s persistence, Korea was on the road to economic success and democratization, becoming the 14th largest economy by 2023 (GDP, OECD) and 47th in democratization (according to Democracy Report 2024).
The Forgotten War and Post Korean War-Susie Woo
Soon, we moved on to another lecture, “The Forgotten War and Post Korean War” by Dr. Susie Woo. An Associate Professor of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton, she received an M.A. in Asian American Studies from UCLA, and a Ph.D in American Studies from Yale University. Publishing a book titled, “Framed by War: Korean Children and Women at the Crossroads of the US Empire”, her project examines children, women, health, and disability in postwar Korea.
Sharing about the Division of Korea, Dr. Susie Woo’s presentation began with the end of WWII, and Japan loosing colonial holdings which included Korea. With US dividing the peninsula along the 38th Parallel, Korea was divided into the North and South. With this division, Korea soon progressed into the Korean War for 3 years leading to the death of 34,000 Americans and over 3 million Korean civilians. After the war, over 6000 Korean adoptees came over to the U.S and over 100,000 Korean women married military soldiers of the United States. Uncovering the pain of Koreans at the time through the forgotten war, Dr. Susie Woo provided photographic documents and videos that reflected on the Korean Adoptee Experiences at the unfamiliar nation, the United States.
The Historical Background of the Friendship Bell-Ernest Lee
With a short break, students and educators moved on to learn about the Friendship Bell from Ernest Lee. Director of the Korean Friendship Bell Preservation Committee, Earnest Lee discusses about the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro and connects the bell to the relations between Korea and the United States.
Uncovering the background of the bell, presenter Ernest Lee explained how the largest bell in the world in 196 was Korea’s Bicentennial Gift to the people of the United States. Constructed over 10 months by 30 artisans, and costing over $450,000 the bell was first rung on July 4, 1976 in Busan and October 3, 1976 in Los Angeles. Built for the purpose to commemorate American Bicentennial, symbolize the friendship & alliance, honor Veterans of the Korean War, and share sacrifice and values of freedom and democracy, this bell was used in major historical events and still used in major commemorations today.
Korean History and Culture throughout UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites-Hannah Lim
With the last presentation remaining, Dr. Hannah Lim joined us to discuss “Korean History and Culture through UNESCO Cultural Heritage”. Earning her M.A and Ph.D. from UCLA’s Asian Languages and Cultures Department, she teaches East Asian History, World History, and Asian American Studies in Iolani School in Honolulu Hawaii.
Traveling through cultural and natural heritage sites of Korea, participants were able to trace historical timeline of Korea and learn about Korea’s geography and culture. With 1157 total, there are 900 cultural, 218 natural, and 39 mixed properties of Korea that is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Properties. Tracing some that were listed, we first dived into learning about the archaeological values of hundreds of dolmens which are burial mounds/tombs in Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites. With this, we explored the historic areas created during the three kingdom periods––Koguryo, Baekjae, Silla, unveiling the famous monuments, and government systems. With a further stretch, we explored the famous temples built in vary places of Korea due to heavy influence and belief of Buddhism. Moving on to the palaces that demonstrate Korea’s magnificent beauty, Dr. Hannah Sim presented the royal tombs that preserved the deceased, traditional buildings that supported life, and Neo-Confucian Academies that promoted education back in time. Despite the invasions Korea has went through, many efforts were made to preserve the historical gems which has allowed us to explore today. The presentation came to an end by looking into the natural grandeurs of Korea, such as the Jeju Volcanic Island and Korean Tidal Flats (Getbol) that is still preserved and protected for us to visit today.
Through these four lectures, Korea’s history and culture was taught by digging into Korea’s Political, Economical, Historical, and Geographical aspects. With the help and participation of so many the event has went fr beyond success, being an eye-opening meeting. Bringing the day to a close, everyone shows excitement for the events prepared in Day 2 of 2024 NKS Seminar.
Day 2:
Teaching Korean American Immigration History & Post LA Uprising and Political Awakening-Carol K. Park
After the short greeting message by Sung Kim, day 2 of the Korean History and Culture Seminar for Educators began with the first lecture titled: “Teaching Korean American Immigration History & Post LA Uprising and Political Awakening” by Dr. Carol K. Park. The author of “Memoir of a Cashier: Korean America’s, Racism, and Riots” and co-author of “Korean Americans: A concise History”, she is also a filmmaker and researcher featuring her story and research about Korean Americans.
Stating that Korean Americans are not informed about U.S. Asian History, Dr. Carol K. Park discussed the importance of teaching and learning Korean American history. Having more than 24 million Asian American population residing in the United States according to 2020 U.S. Census Data, Dr. Carol K. Park mentioned that the Korean population alone grew 16.6% in a decade, reaching 1,989,519, and among these populations, 25% are not informed about U.S. Asian History. While Korean population became very widespread, residing in the most bustling, economically booming cities like Los Angeles, New York, Washington, and Seattle, many aren’t aware of the origin story of Korean immigrants. From prior Korean American’s involvement in the Korean Independence movement, World War, Immigration Acts, and post Los Angeles uprisings followed by political awakenings, presenter Dr. Carol Park shared vast information of the progression of establishment of Korean immigrant communities. Because Korean Americans are more visible in mainstream American media from K-pop, K-Dramas, and Korean food with the on going Hallyu wave, there are stereotypes and assumptions about the small community. With the growing population of Korean Americans amidst the rise of participation in politics, anti-Asian hate crimes, and stereotypes of the minority, participants were able to recognize the importance of learning and teaching on the history that have brought Korean Americans to the position of their standing today.
Korean Patriot, Dosan Ann Chang-ho and Pachappa Camp, the very first Koreatown in America-Edward Chang
After a short break, we dived into the another lecture titled “Korean Patriot, Dosan Ann Chang-ho and Pachappa Camp, the very first Koreatown in America” by Dr. Edward Chang. A Professor of Ethnic Studies and the founding Director of the Young Oak Kim Center for Koran American Studies at the University of California Riverside, Dr. Edward Chang’s published works like “Pachappa Camp: The First Koreatown in the United States” won the “Grand Prize” from the Association for Studies of Koreans Abroad. With this, he is also known for receiving the “Order of Civil Merit, Magnolia Medal”, from the Republic of Korea.
Primarily focusing on Pachappa Camp, the first and largest Koreatown in America, Dr. Edward Chang explained the history of this memorable place. Planned to relocate Korean immigrants from Hawaii, San Francisco, and Riverside, Dosan Ahn Chang Ho and the public association established Korean community in Riverside. A Family based community with women and children, mecca of Korean independence movement during the early 1900s, and the center of significant events (such as Korean christian missions, birthday parties, and weddings), the first and largest Korean settlement has become the starting point for other Korean communities to spurge into the different cities found today. Learning about the camp with only small one-room shacks with no gas or electricity, allowed us to reflect back on the progress Korean Americans have made with their resilience despite the hurdles that were challenging and inevitable.
Why Korean American Ethnic Studies? The Korean American Studies Course Approved by Anaheim Union High School District, California-Jeff Kim
Soon we transitioned with another lecture titled “Why Korean American Ethnic Studies? The Korean American Studies Course Approved by Anaheim Union High School District, California” by Dr. Jeff Kim. Currently teaching in the Anaheim Union High School District, Dr. Kim has authored a Korean American and Asian American Studies Course for his district since 2023. Serving as a board member of Irvine Unified School District, the California Council awarded him with the Roy Erickson Civic Education Leadership Award for Social Studies.
Emphasizing the idea that “In order for the tree to grow tall, you gave to know your roots”, Dr. Jeff Kim explained that it is important for students to know, tell, listen, and show action of their own stories in order to grow. Having different backgrounds, everyone has different stories to share with others. Educated from teachers of different racial backgrounds, forgetting about one’s own history, and not understanding the resilience of parents, many students struggle with their own identity. The Korean American story being a great American story, for both Korean American and all Americans, Dr. Jeff Kim highlighted the idea that it is important to implement Korean History education in various forms of teaching. Through ways like Digital Resilience Journal, Korean Sijo Poetry, and Documentaries or Podcasts, participants were able to learn numerous ways students can explore and explain their own untold stories.
Key Facts about Korea’s Pop Culture (K-pop, Dramas, and Films)-Jini Shim
Closing up 2024 NKR Seminar, assistant director Jini Shim shared the last lecture titled, “Key Facts about Korea’s Pop Culture”. Teaching Korean language to middle schools in the Fullerton School District and also being a board member of the International Korean Educators Network (IKEN) since 2020, Ms. Jini Shim is also a freelance Korean translator and cultural event MC, such as the Roar Festival in Fullerton.
With the goal of understanding, identifying, and recognizing impact of K-pop and K-dramas, Ms. Shim delve into the details of K-pop. Being more than just music from South Korea, K-pop is a multimedia experience that consists much more than just singing and dancing. The colorful, vivid, and bright concepts are very eye catching, and is associated with major entertainment agencies. Gathering various age groups and ethnic backgrounds with busy activity in social platforms, K-pop has developed into a global scale that became a major factor in spotlighting Korea universally. With more students and educators are getting exposed to K-pop, K-pop is now being implemented in education systems as well. Along with K-pop, K-dramas were discussed as well. Gaining global popularity due to their unique storytelling, high production quality, and cultural impact, K-dramas have been thriving on streaming sites like Netflix in the recent years. Gaining global recognition for several films over the past few decades, there is a bright future for the film industry in Korea, spreading more about Korean history and culture in a visual aspect everyone enjoys watching. Seeing Korea’s progression, we were able to wrap up another year of NKR Seminar on a hopeful note.
Korean History & Culture Seminar for Educators 