The first official Korean week at the University will come to an end Saturday after a week filled with events spreading awareness about traditional Korean culture.
Korean Week began April 7 and was hosted by the Korean Student Association, or KSA, one of the largest student organizations for Korean students on campus. The registered student organization organized 13 academic, social and cultural events for the week, which were all open to the public.
The decision to host Korean Week stemmed from concerns by Korean students who felt invisible on campus and to increase communication amongst the international students on campus.
KSA kicked-off the week with a talent show Saturday night, which about 400 students attended.
The Korean Expo, held Thursday, included displays of traditional Korean clothes, food, calligraphy, popular movies and soap operas. Those who attended the Expo had the opportunity to learn about Korea by participating in different activities like a scavenger hunt.
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Hakyung Ku, freshman, said the Expo yielded low turnout, and that she wished it had been better advertised.
“I think the only people who come are actually really into Korean culture and people who know a little bit about Korean,” she said. “People who don’t know anything about Korean, they just walk away instead of coming in.”
Ku was in charge of the calligraphy station at the Expo.
“I gathered all the information of what it is. I also gave a separate space, I let them actually write it using ink. They can experience what (Korean Calligraphy) is like,” Ku said.
KSA also held a Korean Dish sale on Thursday. Raphael Son, member of KSA and senior in Business, said KSA sold Korean foods as a means to spread out Korean Culture.
Some students said the dish sale gave them an opportunity to try new food.
Zuhui An, freshman in Media, said she bought seaweed rolls and appreciated the opportunity to try the dish.
“The Korean Dish Sale provided me a chance to taste Korean food since I haven’t eaten it before. We should have more international weeks,” she said.
Un Yeong Park, president of KSA and graduate student, said he was happy with the success of Korean Week.
“Many people now know what the Korean Student Association is doing. I am quite satisfied with the whole event schedule,” Park said.
The event will end Saturday with a traditional Korean baseball tournament.
