Korea National University of Heritage launches

'K-Heritage Summer School'(7.3 – 7.17),

Heritage Education program for international students

 - In the framework of K-Heritage Aacademy(non-degree program)…

Academic credits expected to be recognized starting in 2025 -

The Korea National University of Heritage (President Kang, Kyung-hwan), founded by the Korea Heritage Service, hosted the 'K-Heritage Summer School' from July 3 to July 17. This original heritage education program offered a combination of practical experiences and theoretical education focused on Korean heritage. It was conducted at multiple locations, including the Seoul Education Center of the Korea National University of Heritage (UNESCO House, Myeong-dong), the main campus in Buyeo, and Heungbokjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace, targeting international students studying in Korea.
Korea National University of Cultural Heritage began developing a quality educational program in March of last year specifically for foreign residents in Korea who have had limited opportunities to systematically learn about or experience the Korean heritage. This initiative, called the "K-Heritage Academy (non-degree Program)," officially launched this year with three curriculums, following special lectures and surveys conducted with 46 participants from 15 countries, including ambassadors residing in Korea.
The first program, "K-Heritage Day," was held on May 2nd at Deoksugung Palace's Dondeokjeon and Seokjojeon during the "2024 K-Royal Culture Festival" (April 27 - May 5). Ambassadors in Korea from eight countries attended, receiving lectures on Korea's national heritage, participating in the night tour program "Night at Seokjojeon," and enjoying a nighttime stroll around Deoksugung Palace with an architect.
The second program, "K-Heritage Summer School," was designed for international students who, despite their high interest in K-culture such as K-Pop and Korean language, had not had many opportunities to systematically experience the heritage underlying K-Culture. The program targets international students affiliated with educational or research institutions in Korea who have passed at least level 4 of the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Following a document review and interview process, eight master's and doctoral students from five institutions (the Academy of Korean Studies, Ewha Womans University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Korea University, Seoul National University) were selected to participate.
During the three-week program (July 3 - July 17), participants engaged in a variety of activities, beginning with an orientation at the Seoul Education Center of the university. This included a one-night, two-day field trip to the main campus in Buyeo, various special lectures and visits: such as a lecture on Korean art history, visits to the National Buyeo Museum, Buyeo Royal Tombs, and Baekje Cultural Land, as well as special lectures on digital heritage(3D scanning experience), and theory and practice of Hansan ramie(Hansan moshi) weaving. Science. It also includes lectures on the traditional Korean architectural aesthetics at Heungbokjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace, and a range of exploration, experiential, and theoretical education activities on topics like the seal engraving, tastes and customs of Joseon Dynasty nobles, folklore, landscapes, and traditional landscaping at the Seoul Education Center.
Based on the successful operation of this year's "K-Heritage Summer School," Korea National University of Heritage plans to offer it as a regular credit-bearing seasonal course starting next year. Additionally, in the latter half of this year (scheduled from late September to late November), the university will run the third program of the "K-Heritage Academy" the "K-Heritage Leadership Program," aimed at diplomats, employees of international organizations, scholars, and other global leaders in the cultural and social fields residing in Korea, to provide high-end education on Korean heritage.

* K-Heritage Academy (non-degree program): 1) ‘K-Heritage Day’, one-day cultural event for ambassadors to Korea; 2) ‘K-Heritage Summer School’, seasonal program for international students affiliated with educational and research institutions in Korea; 3) ‘K-Heritage Leadership Program’ (September 28 - November 30, 10 sessions every Saturday) for global cultural leaders interested in Korean heritage and education.