Korean Cultural Festival Kicks Off Friday

Festival a showcase for Korean Language Program in East Asian Studies

Donna McKinnon - 05 November 2015

The Korean Cultural Festival: A New Generation on November 6 is both a celebration and a testament to the success of the Korean language program in the Department of East Asian Studies (EAS). Not only is it the fastest growing language program in EAS, it is one of the most vibrant programs at the University of Alberta, showcasing the Korean culture to record enrollments of students.

"The purpose of the Korean Cultural Festival is to bring awareness to the people, in and out of the campus, about the remarkable growth and achievement of the Korean program," says Kyungsook Kim, Korean Program Coordinator. "Through this event [we hope to] grow its connections with the people in our Korean communities and organizations."

According to Mickey Adolphson, Chair of the Department of East Asian Studies, the Korean language program has grown from about 30 students six years ago, to close to 500 over the course of an academic year - with a lengthy waiting list. "In addition to the department's drive," explains Adolphson, "what has made this dramatic expansion possible is the support we have received from the Academy of Korean Studies and the Korea Foundation over the past couple of years." Beyond meeting the high demand for Korean language instruction, Adolphson is cognizant of the value of hosting events such as the Korean Cultural Festival on campus. "Connecting with our communities is obviously one of our responsibilities," he says, "but it is also about showcasing different cultures so that we become more globally aware."

The Korean Cultural Festival is sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver, and to the delight of the organizers, Consul General Mr. Kie-Cheon Lee and his delegation will be in attendance. Adolphson believes this festival could prove to be the biggest event of the year in EAS, with an expected 500 attendees, including speakers Britta Baron, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President (International); Sarah Forgie, Vice-Provost (Learning Initiatives); Mr. Seok-Ro Lee, President of the Edmonton Korean Canadian Association and many members of the Korean community.

Attendees will enjoy traditional Korean food, folk dances, storytelling, popular music, martial arts demonstrations and award presentations for the 2015 Korean speech contest.

Cerina Lee, a student in the School of Public Health, will be one of the emcees for the event - an outgrowth of her dedicated work on behalf of the Korean language program and the Korean community in general. She will also be performing with the Samulnori Drumming Team. "The Korean Cultural Festival is the U of A's first-ever opportunity to share and celebrate Korean culture on and off campus," says Lee. "It feels amazing to know that the community in Edmonton is so supportive of the Korean language program. More so, I am blown away by the enthusiasm U of A students, faculty and staff show for their love of Korean culture!"

The Korean Cultural Festival: a New Generation takes place on Friday, November 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in CCIS 1-430 (Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science).