The Division of Understanding Korea Project at the Center for International Affairs of the Academy of Korean Studies held a seminar on November 15, 2021, “Understanding Korea Project for International School Educators”.

The seminar was held online to promote understanding and awareness of Korea-related issues of foreign school teachers in Korea. The event began with an opening speech by Ham Young-ki, director of the Ministry of Education's National Curriculum Policy Bureau, and a welcoming address by Jo Yoong-hee, director of the Center for International Affairs. Moderated by Chang Won-suk, head of the Division of Understanding Korea Project Office, the seminar included presentations and discussions on Korea-related classes at foreign schools in Korea. Five teachers from foreign schools in Korea made presentations, and other teachers interested in the subject also participated in the seminar.

Jessica de la O, a teacher at Seoul International School, introduced teaching materials and field trips utilizing Namhansanseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in middle school history classes. Jeff Mills, a teacher at Asia Pacific International School, shared various materials, websites, and teaching strategies that can be used to teach Korea-related issues in high school history classes.

Calvin Kampuis, a teacher at the Seoul Foreign School, made a presentation on how to associate Korea with economy and commerce classes. He introduced teaching and learning methods that draw students to do various learning activities such as interviews and surveys on economic issues and write essays based on examination of Korea-related economic issues and news contents.

Researchers Kim Da-hui and Jang Hye-jin of the Division of Understanding Korea Project made presentations on the subject of Korea-related contents in foreign textbooks. They focused on the textbooks in North America, France and Africa, looking into their descriptions of Korea and the recent trends. Also discussed were measures to effectively include Korea in social studies classes in consideration of the characteristics of the textbook system and curriculums in the North America and French-speaking regions.

Patrice Germain, a teacher at the French School of Seoul, discussed ways to increase Korea-related contents in geography classes at his school. Mentioning that French geography classes emphasizes case studies, he suggested that Korea be associated with such case studies.

Lastly, teacher Kim Na-rae of Xavier International School made a presentation on the basic state of Korean studies education in international schools, focusing on Korean language education in French schools. Kim said that the name of the Korean language class includes “Korean,” which stresses the aspect of language education. She said that in reality, however, the class deals with overall Korea-related issues. Kim also gave explanations about the objective of the class and the contents and methods of the actual class.

There was a comprehensive discussion session, in which participants discussed various opinions on the current state of Korea-related classes at foreign schools in Korea and ways to promote them. The seminar contributed to sharing various information, and helped teachers who develop class materials at foreign schools get greater interest in and better understanding of Korea. In addition, the seminar provided an opportunity to strengthen the human network with foreign school teachers in Korea, which would be helpful in promoting mutual cooperation to improve, expand and create Korea-related contents in foreign textbooks.