Traditional Classes You Can Take in Korea
Experience Korean Culture by Taking Lessons While Living Abroad
Sep 22, 2009
Sometimes it may be hard to live in a new country for a year, not having any familiar contacts and experiencing culture shock. In Korea, there are a number of traditional and cultural classes foreigners can take that help them experience Korean traditions, acquaint with new friends who have common passions, and ideally allow them to form relationships with locals.
In major cities, such as Seoul and Busan, there are often classes offered solely to foreigners. However, it would be even more fulfilling to participate in classes with other locals to have the experience living as a habitant of the country rather than that of a tourist. Classes may not always be advertised on the internet, but often newcomers' employers will know of neighborhood schools or community centres, as will colleagues that have been in the country longer.
Below is a list of just some of the classes and lessons you can join in South Korea:
Martial Arts Classes in Korea
Tae Kwon Do Dojangs are prolific all over Korea, thus it would not be difficult to find a class that is convenient for the interested student. It is the national sport of Korea and can be quite competitive. It involves an intense work-out of major kicks, sparring and eventually breaking stacks of wood. But there is often a spiritual component and an essence of comraderie that is built among fellow students.
One may also take taekkyon, a traditional Korean martial art and possibly the ancestral form of tae kwon do. It also involves an intense work-out, specialized kicks, and competitive sparring matches, but it differs from tae kwon do in that its movements are more dance-like rather than abrupt and quick.
If taking either class, one can expect an intense schedule, often involving every evening of the week. Also a student will undoubtedly learn some Korean vocabulary, such as numbers and technical words relevant to the martial art.
Korean Music and Dance Classes
There are a number of classes you can take to learn how to play Korean traditional instruments.
Some instruments that may be studied are:
- The janggu - an hour-glass shaped drum that is beaten on both sides and produces sounds of percussion genius
- The gayageum - a 12-stringed instrument played to accompany a traditional dance
- A danso - a flute made of bamboo and the accompaniemnt for of folk music
There are also a variety of traditional dance classes to take. Korean traditional dance originates from rituals performed among early shamans. Classes may involve slow expressive movements dynamically changing into highly intensive jumps and twirls while literally flying to the beat of one's own drum.
It is encouraged for visitors in Korea to view as many traditional concerts and performances possible. One particular treat is to see a group of pungmul players perform; it is a percussion extravaganza involving folk dance and acrobatics.
Art Classes – Sumukhua
A student can take traditional Korean painting classes called Sumukhua. It involves black ink and singular brush strokes to formulate natural scenes and components. The end product is a vivacious yet elegant artistic piece.
Students may enroll in calligraphy classes, again using brush and ink, and practice writing Korean characters while tapping into their creative impulses.
Ceramics classes are also a fun, interactive option. South Korea is well known all around the world for its pottery, and it has long history of evolving styles dating back to as early as 8000 BC. By taking a ceramics class, students will gain hands-on experience making a vase or figurine of their devising.
Korean Language Classes
It is easier to find Korean Language classes, in major cities, and within these cities, at universities. In smaller towns, employers would probably know if a centre or school is offering such lessons. The best way to learn Korean, however, is to interact as much as possible with locals, visit traditional restaurants, shop at street markets... Eventually, non native speakers will recognize familiar words and their vocabulary will grow.
Paragliding Clubs
Korea is especially mountainous and there are quite a few extreme adventurers who go paragliding every weekend. Joining a club allows for reduced rates per trip and includes transportation, equipment, and a tandem flight, soaring off the cliff of a mountain and enjoying astonishing countryside views. Clubs allow for social time with the local club members and there is almost always a meal at the bottom of the mountain or at a nearby restaurant.
Foreigners who live and work in South Korea are encouraged to enroll in a class or join a club. It is truly an enjoyable way to experience Korean culture, interact with locals, live as an inhabitant and not a tourist, and to create even fonder memories of one's time abroad.
 |
 |
 |
