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Category: Korean Studies

A Look at Korea as a Frog Outside the Well — An Outsider’s Perspective on Korean History

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Join us and explore with Prof. Mark Peterson the ideas advanced in his most recent book, Views of Korean History by a Frog Outside the Well. Written in a conversational style for the general public, in this book Dr. Peterson offers a unique take on Korean history that differs from the standard history taught in Korea since liberation from Japan. It is a point of view that his Korean audience appreciates for its radical departure from orthodox history and finds “refreshing,” “positive” and “uplifting.” In a recent article for the Korea Times, Dr. Peterson writes that he offers a new approach to facts already well known… but looks at in an entirely new way and a way that many young scholars are starting to look at as well. The discussion will be moderated by Linda Tobash, Senior Advisor for Education at the Society.

 

A Look at Korea as a Frog Outside the Well
An Outsider’s Perspective on Korean History

Monday, November 6, 2023 | 6 PM (EST)

The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Dr. Mark Peterson is professor emeritus of Korean, Asian and Near Eastern languages at Brigham Young University in Utah. He is the author of countless books, articles, and journal publications, recipient of many awards and currently runs a research center and hosts a popular YouTube channel on Korean history, The Frog Outside the Well. He has been a guest lecturer on Asian/Korean subjects at universities and professional associations around the world. He is a founding member of the American Association of Korean Teachers, and a lifetime member of the Royal Asiatic Society—Korea Branch, which he has served as a board member and vice president. He was also elected chairman of the Korean Studies Committee, a national office and has served as executive director of the Korean-American Educational (Fulbright) Commission in Seoul, Korea. Dr. Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and East Asian studies from Brigham Young University and a master’s and doctorate in East Asian languages and civilization from Harvard University.

 

Project Bridge

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Project Bridge

2025-2026 New York City Youth Ambassadors at The Korea Society
Posing with the Society’s Exhibition Dyadic | Annette Hur & Hayoon Jay Lee

The Project Bridge Youth Ambassador Program is the longest running program offered by The Korea Society’s Education Department. It was started in 1993 as a response to the 1992 Los Angeles uprising to introduce African-American urban students to Korean people, history and culture in an effort to promote greater understanding.

Since its inception Project Bridge has engaged urban youth in New York City and Los Angeles and over time has expanded student diversity in these two urban groups. In fall 2019 the Program added a rural and Indigenous youth perspective and voice with the addition of students from Montana. Project Bridge is geared to inner-city junior and senior public high school students in New York and Los Angeles and to juniors across Western Montana. Students hail from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.

The Korea Society works in conjunction with the Los Angeles-based Pacific Century Institute and the Missoula-based Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana to offer many exciting opportunities for youth ambassadors to not only learn about Korea but to develop leadership and intercultural competence skills, improve their public-speaking ability and grow their personal and professional networks. The academic year-long program consists of three key components: bi-monthly workshops, a ten-day study tour to the Republic of Korea and individual research culminating in a spring community presentation. Each site selects eight students annually through a highly competitive application process.

Project Bridge goals are to ensure students develop insights and skills needed to “bridge” the gaps between people of divergent cultural heritages, to empower them to view social and cultural differences as a pathway – not a barrier – and to exercise their responsibilities as emerging young leaders in an increasingly interconnected and richly diverse world. More specifically, it aims to build an understanding of and appreciation for Korea and the importance of the US-Korea relationship, an understanding that they hold for a lifetime and also share with their respective communities.

 

Use the following links for further information:

Project Bridge Sponsors and Contributors
Program Overview
Project Bridge New York City Community Presentation 
Most recent New York City Youth Ambassador cohort

Project Bridge

Korea-America Student Conference Final Forum

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Join us for the Korea–America Student Conference (KASC) Final Forum which is being co-hosted by The Korea Society and the International Student Conferences (ISC). ISC facilitates three academic and cultural exchange programs per year which are organized by university students in the U.S., Japan, Korea and China. For KASC, now in its 18th year, an equal number of US and Korean students have spent the summer together exploring US-Korea relations and meet both Seoul and New York City for in-person collaboration. 

Organized around round table themes—Cooperative Perspectives on Human Rights and Protest Culture, Art & Identity, Economy and Trade, Politics & Technology, and Environment and Climate Change—students report on the culmination of their research. They would love to share their insights with you! Click here to register for the KASC Final Forum.

Following the Forum, The Korea Society will host at 12:30 PM,  Remembering the Korean War, the Society’s annual armistice memorial event. Click here for more information and to register for this event.

 

 

Korea-America Student Conference Final Forum 

Friday, July 25, 2025 | 10:00 AM (EDT)

The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

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Project Bridge Youth Ambassador 30th Anniversary Celebration

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Come join us to celebrate the longest running education Program offered at the Society, the Project Bridge Youth Ambassador Project Program.

The Program began in 1993 as a response to Sa-I-Gu—when growing unrest between the African American and Korean American communities triggered widespread destruction in LA’s Koreatown in the wake of the 1992 Rodney King incident and subsequent LA riots. The goal of the Program, at that time known as Kids to Korea, was to have inner city youth in New York and Los Angeles gain a better understanding of, appreciation for and engagement with the Korean community.

The Program has evolved over the years. While a ten-day study tour continues to be a highlight, youth ambassadors also engage in academic year-long workshops to learn about the Program’s roots as well as Korean history, culture, and the importance of the US-Korea alliance.

At this celebration you will hear from individuals who launched the initiative as well as Project Bridge alumni. A special video showcasing highlights from the past 30 years reinforces their remarks. Further, our current youth ambassadors, who represent a range of NYC public high schools, share insights on what they have learned and experienced this year.

A reception follows the discussion. Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

Project Bridge Youth Ambassador 30th Anniversary Celebration

Thursday, June 8, 2023 | 6 PM (EDT)


 The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

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PROJECT BRIDGE
YOUTH AMBASSADORS 2026

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Join us to celebrate the 2025-2026 participants of the longest running education program offered at the Society, the Project Bridge Youth Ambassador Program.

Eight New York City public high school students were selected last fall, via a highly competitive competition, as the 2024-2024 Youth Ambassadors. Since late fall these students, who represent a range of NYC schools, have participated in 16 workshops in which they explored Korean culture, cuisine, education, history and language as well economics, current events on the peninsula and the importance of the US-Korea alliance. Further, they engaged in numerous activities focused on leadership and intercultural competence skill development.

In addition to the workshops, the youth ambassadors spent ten-days exploring Korea in-person. The annual study tour to the Republic of Korea, a major highlight of the program, provided the participants with significant exposure to many people, activities, and places in Korea of historical and social significance. They had the privilege to meet with leaders in government, business, education, and the arts and to spend time at Korean high schools interacting with students their own age.

This Community Presentation is another highlight of the program as it provides the students with the opportunity to share with you and a broader audience what they have learned, insights they have gained and to celebrate an academic year of hard work and exploration. 

We hope you can join us. A reception follows the presentations.

 

PROJECT BRIDGE YOUTH AMBASSADORS 2026 Community Presentation

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 6 PM (EDT)

 

Sign Up Here to Attend In-Person

 

Sign Up Here to Receive the Viewing Link

 


 The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

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You May Also Enjoy:
Korean Language Program The Sherman Family Korea Emerging Scholar Lecture Award Project Bridge

2025-2026 NYC PROJECT BRIDGE YOUTH AMBASSADORS

Posted on by WDM Team

2025-2026 NYC PROJECT BRIDGE YOUTH AMBASSADORS

Nadia Allahmorad 

  
Junior at Francis Lewis High School.
   I was born and raised in Queens and am passionate about learning. At school, I serve as the vice president of the Accounting, Commerce, and Economics club, participate in various other clubs, and tutor my peers. Outside of academics, I stay active by playing soccer and connecting with others through experiences such as attending the AAPI LEAD Youth Conference, as well as through my involvement in civic engagement efforts that help me give back to my community. I am especially interested in cultural exchange and learning about different places, and I enjoy practicing my geography skills to better understand the world. My interest in Korean culture began through exposure to Korean pop culture and deepened as I studied Korean in high school, which helped me better understand the language and gain insight into life in Korea. I am grateful to have joined Project Bridge to deepen my understanding of Korean culture and look forward to sharing what I learn to help educate others.

Alexander Hernandez Reyes

  
Senior at the Academy for Careers in Television and Film
 

I grew up in Queens which has exposed me to cultures from all over the globe. From Chinatown in Flushing to Corona to Jackson Heights, I embark on a voyage around the world when I take the 7 train; a daily experience that has taught me to appreciate the different cultures and languages that make up New York City. Attending a film school, I have always sought to pursue journalism, history, and politics, using documentary film- making to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. At school, I am part of the Cooking Club, Peer Group Connection (PGC) leadership team, and the Production Design Cohort, where I have designed the concepts for some of my school’s largest film productions. Outside of school, I have interned at the New York Historical Society and the Hill Art Foundation, taken art classes at Parsons School of Design for five semesters, and been part of the Freedom and Citizenship Program at Columbia University where I seek to make civics more accessible to teens.

Alex Huang

  
Junior at Brooklyn Technical High School
   I was born in China and moved to Brooklyn as a toddler, exposing me to many distinct cultures, communities, and lifestyles. This experience of moving constantly allowed me to meet people of vastly unique backgrounds, deepening my interest in trying new things. After school, I am a part of the backstage crew and help with events. When I’m not working backstage, I am also in the ACE Mentor program where I collaborate with like-minded people across the city on engineering topics. I am interested in becoming an industrial designer in the future and relaying my ideas to clients in a creative lens. I also like to play sports and listen to music. I’m excited to be a part of the Project Bridge program working together with bright minds not just in the city but across the country and further nuance my understanding of cultural connections through a Korean lens and a more general worldly perspective.

Tristan Huggins

  
Senior at KIPP NYC College Prep.
 

Born and raised in the Bronx, I come from a large Kittitian family full of different kinds of personalities, so I’m no stranger to diversity. What moved me to become a person who loved culture was my passion for etymology and how language and communication can vary by location and people, and I’m excited to see this exemplified in Korea. At school, I engage in journalism by collecting media for our social media pages and morning announcements at school events through interviews and recording videos. When I’m not at school, I also spend time at Summer Search, a non profit organization that aims to help students of marginalized identities thrive in the world, offering high school and post high school guidance, and helping students to realize their full potential through mentoring from both Summer Search employees and even other Summer Search students.

East Kaufhold

  
Junior at Brooklyn Technical High School
  

I am from Brooklyn, New York, and my family is of both Pakistani and German descent. Growing up with two families of differing cultures has taught me about the importance of cross-cultural understanding and open-minded discourse between groups. At school, I am a member of the Junior Student Leadership class and a coach for the Model United Nations team. Outside of the classroom, I am a Youth Researcher and leadership team member at The Localized History Project, a youth-participatory action research initiative that amplifies Asian-American history and education within the five boroughs. I am also the Brooklyn Hub Coordinator for Generation Vote, where I facilitate civic engagement in high schools and universities across the borough. On my own time I enjoy rock climbing and reading.

Julia Katzman

  
Junior at Brooklyn Technical High School
   Coming from a family with a blend of Brazilian, Jewish, Peruvian, and American descent, I have learned just how crucial intercultural understanding is. Dealing with my multifaceted identity, both internally and externally, has taught me the dangers of ethnocentrism and the importance of addressing it. I am a Law and Society major and a member of the National Honor Society, as well as an executive of my school’s Law Club, a safe space where we discuss current and relevant political issues. Outside of school, I am a violinist at Mannes Prep and with the New York Youth Symphony’s Crescendo Orchestra. I am also a volunteer at Concerts in Motion and the co-founder of Art Reach NYC, an organization that aims to connect young, talented artists in NYC with those in need. I am excited to learn more about Korea and to use my newfound perspective to help promote awareness and respect between different groups and identities.

Janet Li

  
Junior at Urban Assembly School for Leadership and Empowerment
  

I was born and raised in Brooklyn and am an American-born Chinese student who is passionate about learning and personal growth. At school, I am a member of the varsity volleyball team and participate in track and field, which has taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Outside of school, I also volunteer by playing and working with children at my local elementary school and church, which has strengthened my sense of responsibility and community involvement. Through academics, athletics, and service, I strive to better understand the world around me and contribute positively to my school and community. I am motivated to take advantage of opportunities that help me grow academically and personally, and I look forward to continuing to learn, lead, and make an impact.

Emely Paredes Mentado

  
Senior at the East-West School of International Studies
  

I was born and raised in Queens and have always been surrounded by immigrants and diverse cultures which has helped me not only understand the struggles of immigrants but also their resilience. It has exposed me to new cultures and helped me become an open- minded person. In my neighborhood, I am immersed in a strong variety of Hispanic cultures, and at my school, I am surrounded by strong Asian cultures. I am a musician specializing in mariachi music and violin. I’ve participated in programs like BEAM, Double Discovery Center, and now Project Bridge. At school, I am currently involved in the LatinX Club and Tri-M Music Honor Society, and have been a teachers assistant for several teachers. I am also an altar server at my church every Saturday as part of my community service.

 

2024-2025 NYC PROJECT BRIDGE YOUTH AMBASSADORS

Posted on by WDM Team

2024-2025 NYC PROJECT BRIDGE YOUTH AMBASSADORS

Nathaly Collahuazo

 
Senior at MESA Charter High School
   Born and raised in Brooklyn, I come from an immigrant Ecuadorian household and was taught the values of hard work, dedication, and most of all, grit from a very young age. Growing up as a first generation Latina, I always find ways to continue learning and growing. Whether it be by talking to a new group of people or taking an advanced class, I thrive off challenges. Outside of school, I am actively involved in my community and regularly participate in a youth group where I get the opportunity to meet teens like myself. In my free time I enjoying baking and learning about different cultures. As a Project Bridge Youth Ambassador I hope to meet new people, share my identity and experiences, learn new things and bring back the beauties found in Korea to my own community.

Clarissa Kunizaki

  
Junior at Brooklyn Technical High School
 

I grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens, and my family is Ecuadorian, Japanese, and Irish-American. The cultural misunderstandings I’ve witnessed against Koreans by other Japanese people have motivated me to explore and reconcile the complex historical and cultural dynamics between our two communities. At school, I serve as the president of my school’s Latino Student Union and as Student Government secretary. Beyond the classroom, I’m a youth leader at the Asian Student Advocacy Project. As a youth researcher, I help facilitate the Localized History Project, a New York State-funded youth participatory action research initiative. I am deeply passionate about amplifying marginalized voices and collaborating with diverse groups to drive meaningful change. I’m beyond excited and grateful to be a part of Project Bridge, where I’ll grow my understanding of the world around me alongside my peers, from race relations in the United States to the study of contemporary Korean society and beyond.

Shayne Lewis

 
Senior at Millennium High School
   I am a Black Caribbean first generation student & American born and raised in Brooklyn. As a senior at my school I’ve acquired a passion for writing and journalistic reporting. The dualities of humanity fascinate me and have pushed me to bring social and political influence into all my work because of how important and impactful for humanity it can be. Hence, my future goal is to be a United Nations lawyer dealing with the human rights of peoples around the world. Korea is just the beautiful first step of my extensive journey in authorship.

Christina Loanzon

  
Junior at Hunter College High School
 

I was born and raised in Manhattan and, in addition to high school, I do research at Icahn School of Medicine for autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s Disease. In addition, I do voice over work for comic dubs for popular games and TV shows (e.g. Genshin Impact, Zelda, and Attack on Titan). In school I founded its first Japanese Society in freshman year, where we teach Japanese and set up language exchanges with students in Tokyo. My interest in Korean culture sparked from both the dance and drama industry, as I love voice acting and am on the school dance team. One of my hobbies is learning new languages, and the development of the Korean writing system and distinct linguistic characteristics despite the history of colonization interests me. I’m super excited to get to talk to new people through the Project Bridge program and want to bring information back to my community to educate others about language, modern culture, and the evolution of the diplomatic and cultural relationship between Korea and the U.S.

Troyina McCoy

  
Senior at Central Park East High School
 

Born and raised in both Harlem and Spanish Harlem, I am in a school club that brings many community members and leaders to talk to students about becoming more civically active in their local communities, e.g. focus on increasing political advocacy among high schoolers by emphasizing that many luxuries we enjoy are directly affected by politics and political leaders. I intend to major in linguistics and hope to have a career as a speech pathologist where I can help others manage their speech disorders. In my free time I love to unwind by drawing and writing comics. I am very excited to be a part of Project Bridge and to learn about Korea, its history, its culture, its food and sociopolitical climate. The history of other countries and how they might have been impacted by the United States really fascinates me and I would love to learn about how Korea’s past influences its present and future.

Tyler Pantekoek

  
Junior at Gotham Tech High School
   Growing up in Queens, NY I have always been exposed to many different cultures. This has helped build my interest in learning about culture and what it means to people. My high school is new and I will be part of the very first graduating class. As it is a new school without fully developed sports programs, I am on the varsity basketball team for Atlas High School and the track team for Informational Technology High School. Outside of school I have participated in Scouting America since I was seven years old. I have learned how to be a part of and to help my community and have gained many leadership skills. Within the next year I plan to earn my Eagle Scout rank. I am very excited to learn about South Korea and hope that this program will further my ability to help my community.

Harquin Rodriguez

  
Senior at City College Academy of the Arts
  

Being raised in two different boroughs, I quickly caught on about various communities and cultures, and their impact on my life. At my school I have embraced all the differences and express my creativity through extracurricular activities. I established my school’s first K-pop dance club, acted and sang my way through our school’s “SHREK THE MUSICAL”, and studied my way through Columbia State Pre-College Enrichment Program which brought me together with students from all 5 city boroughs. As quirky and chatty as I am, I aspire to be a doctor with great cultural awareness in order to attend to patients in the best way possible. With love for many new things, I’m eager to see how this program can change my life.

Layla Tilton

  
Senior at KIPP NYC College Prep High School
 

I was born and raised in NYC. In school I am a member of the robotics team and a student ambassador. Outside of school I do community service, giving back to my community and helping to solve the issue of food insecurity. Through the organization, One Sandwich At a Time, I participate in sandwich making events to feed the less fortunate. I have hosted school events with this organization to bring awareness to my peers. Also, I am part of the Robin Hood Teen Council which works in this area as well. I am also part of the State Pre-College Enrichment Program at Columbia University, a stem based program which has helped me to build on my academic success. In the future I want to go into the field of bioengineering, but beyond that I want to travel and learn more about different cultures. I am excited to learn more about South Korea and the South Korean culture. Despite being half South Korean, I do not know much about the culture; therefore, I am very grateful to have been offered this opportunity.

 

2022-2023 NYC PROJECT BRIDGE YOUTH AMBASSADORS

Posted on by WDM Team

2022-2023 NYC PROJECT BRIDGE YOUTH AMBASSADORS

Bianna Chen

 
Millennium High School
   I grew up in Manhattan and Brooklyn for most of my life and am now a junior at Millennium High School. Also, I have drawn for most of my life which led me to join certain art programs and my school’s AP Studio Art course. I’m interested in technology, too; so, I’ve joined game development courses and learned how to structure and create games starting from coding and game design to music and game planning. I plan to do Computer Science in the future or something of that route because from what I’ve seen, technology can be more advanced, and I want to be a part of that.

I have an interest in studying to learn more about the world and experience what it’s like in a place with different cultures. I find that Project Bridge is helping me do that.

Alexa Du

  
Susan E. Wagner High School
 

I am a junior in the Law and Politics Academy at Susan E. Wagner High School and was born and raised in Staten Island, NYC. I love giving back to my community as the public relations officer for my school’s chapter of the nonprofit GlamourGals, which provides companionship to the elderly at nursing homes through manicures and conversations. I also enjoy volunteering for festivals at my local library & parks. And I take pride in being a starting player on my school’s varsity tennis team as well as a dancer in our Chinese Dance club. Through my community and school involvement, I’ve learned the importance of building connections. 

I am honored to be a Project Bridge Youth Ambassador. I am passionate about exploring new cultures and meeting new people. I’m so excited about this opportunity to learn about Korea and to be able to share my experience with my community.

Jordan Leung

  
 Stuyvesant High School
   I grew up in Manhattan and am currently a junior at Stuyvesant High School. I am on my school’s Science Olympiad team and enjoy learning with the Stuyvesant Physics team. I love being able to create and design in the Stuyvesant Innovation Lab and spend a lot of time planning and developing even at home. I am passionate about exploring new things and enjoy wandering around the city with friends, just admiring the different architecture styles that come with other cultures. And, I’m excited to learn more about Korea while meeting new people.

Sophia Mueller

  
Stuyvesant High School
 

I was raised in Washington Heights and am currently a junior at Stuyvesant High School. I am part of the school’s volleyball and fencing teams, and I work as a photo editor for Stuy’s newspaper publication, The Spectator. From an early age, I have enjoyed taking photos, and photography has remained one of my favorite hobbies. I enjoy walking around parks, visiting museums, reading, and watching Studio Ghibli films with my family and friends. 

Both my parents are immigrants: my mother is from Ukraine and my father is from Germany. I am well connected to both parts of my culture and am interested in the values and traditions of others as well. I hope to learn more about Korea and broaden my horizons with Project Bridge!

Yaqueline Palaguachi

  
High School for Law, Advocacy and Community Justice
  

I was born and raised in Queens by a Mexican immigrant mother and Ecuadorian immigrant father. They both are hard workers. I am currently a junior at the High School for Law, Advocacy, and Community Justice and am in the law club, varsity soccer team, and have debate experience. I also participate in the Cue Art Foundation program and have previously been at NYU’s Visionary Studios.

I aspire to be an immigration lawyer or in family law and have an interest in learning about other cultures and traditions because they have always been a huge part of my life. Being a Mexican/Ecuadorian first generation child growing up in New York I understand the discrimination one can face due to prejudice. I hope to learn how to close that bridge between others and be able to learn more about cultures than my own.

Ayden Raspaldo

  
Landmark High School
   I was born and raised in Harlem as a Puerto Rican through and through and am currently a junior at Landmark High School. I love to socialize and skateboard around the city meeting new people and seeing new things along the way; you can say I’m very adventurous. All these traits made me interested in Project Bridge. You should always give everything a chance especially applying to programs you are interested in. And, you can apply that to anything: trying new food, talking to a person, or the extreme of learning a new culture. Big or small always give it a shot to at least be able say you have a grasp on that topic.

Kyler Rno

  
Hunter College High School
  

I was born and raised in New York City and am currently a junior at Hunter College High School. At Hunter I am involved in the science research program, concert band, and Hunter publications; and, I work as a writing center mentor and Big Sib. Outside of Hunter I study percussion at Bloomingdale School of Music and fence competitively at Fencers Club. I’m interested in continuing to pursue science research as well as music. 

I am Korean American whose grandparents immigrated to the U.S., which in part motivated me to become a Project Bridge Youth Ambassador. I hope to reconnect with my culture and learn more about my heritage, as well as help educate others in my community about Korea. I am honored to be a part of this program and hope that it will help me grow as a leader. 

Oliver Rygh

  
Brooklyn Technical High School
  

I’ve lived in Brooklyn all of my life. However, being born to Jamaican and Norwegian parents has meant that I’ve always been exposed to an array of cultures. Through Project Bridge, I hope to expand my cultural outlook to become a contributing member of an ever more interconnected world. At my high school, Brooklyn Tech, I’ve explored my interests in finance and engineering by running the Stock Market Club and joining the Aerospace major. I’m extremely interested in learning about sustainable business and technology which can help people in practical applications. Outside of class, I enjoy playing the drums and listening to music, which I hope can be a lifelong pursuit. I also enjoy playing on my school’s golf team and casually playing basketball with friends. 


East-Asian culture is unique to American culture. Through Project Bridge, I hope to gain insight into Korean culture and history that I can use to break down barriers within my community and school. As western and eastern societies continue to converge, I hope to use my experience from Project Bridge to build partnerships, allowing for an environment of collaboration instead of destructive competition.

 

Sijo: Korea’s Poetry Form

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Join us as Lucy Park, Sejong Cultural Society Executive Director, and Elizabeth Jorgensen, writer and educator at Arrowhead High School in Wisconsin, share their insights into and passion for the ancient Korean poetry form, Sijo. Part of the Society’s Spotlight on Korean Studies in K-12 Schooling series, this talk will inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Sijo: Korea’s Poetry Form not only provides tips, techniques and sample lesson plans for teaching and writing Sijo, it also explores the history and beauty of the form. The authors ask, “With only three lines, and 46 syllables, how much can a poet fit within its confines?”, and answer, “a world of story and emotion!” In their talk they demonstrate the power of the form by showcasing award-winning modern sijos and accompanying illustrations by Wonsook Kim.

 

Sijo: Korea’s Poetry Form to Korean Studies
with Lucy Park and Elizabeth Jorgensen

Monday, December 19, 2022 | 4PM (EST)

The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

Join our membership program here!

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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Lucy Park is one of the founding members of the Sejong Cultural Society, a non-profit organization founded in 2004. As Executive Director, she oversees all programs, including the Sejong Music Competition, Sejong Writing Competition, and sijo education programs. She has been very active in teaching about sijo to teachers, students, and adults throughout the U.S. and has developed and compiled extensive reference materials on the basics of English sijo writing, sijo samples, and teaching sijo on the Sejong Cultural Society’s website and YouTube Channel. She pioneered the Sejong Cultural Society’s Sijo and Music program, organizing concerts and commissioning composers and songwriters to write sijo music in a variety of musical genres. Further, Dr. Park is a faculty member of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine where she specializes in pediatric allergy, immunology, and pulmonology. She received her M.D. from Seoul National University in Korea.

Elizabeth Jorgensen is an award-winning writer and high school English teacher. In 2021 she was named one of 20 of America’s Most Inspiring Educators (The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation Teacher Innovator Awards). She has been published in numerous education journals and presented at national and state conferences and councils. Elizabeth is passionate about sijo, a Korean form of poetry. Her sijo lessons have been uploaded by the Sejong Cultural Society as an exemplar of teaching poetry. Jorgensen co-edited Sijo: Korea’s Poetry Form with Dr. Lucy Park. Additionally, Jorgensen’s most recent book, a middle-grade/young adult sports biography, was released in October 2022, Gwen Jorgensen: USA’s First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete and is also the author of the educational text, Hacking Student Learning Habits.

 

“Queerness” as an Embodied and Critical Approach to Korean Studies with Todd Henry

Posted on by Yurim Oh

Join us as Dr. Todd A. Henry, Associate Professor in the Department of History and affiliate faculty member of Critical Gender Studies, Science Studies, and Film Studies at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), launches the Society’s new Current Directions in Korea Studies Series. Dr. Henry, a specialist of modern Korea, a social and cultural historian, and an expert in LGBTQ studies, is well-suited to launch our new series. From 2013 to 2018, he served as the inaugural director of Transnational Korean Studies at UCSD and has researched, lectured, and written extensively on topics of place, race, identity, and nation. From his first book, Assimilating Seoul: Japanese Rule and the Politics of Public Space in Colonial Korea, 1910-1945 (University of California Press, 2014) — the Korean translation of which was awarded a 2020 Sejong Book Prize in History, Geography and Tourism — to his recent edited volume, Queer Korea (Duke University Press, 2020), as well as two forthcoming books and a co-produced documentary on queer histories of authoritarian South Korea (1948-1993), Dr. Henry has been a groundbreaking scholar and an empowering educator in the field.

A frontrunner in promoting explorations of same-sex sexuality, gender variance, and other marginalized aspects of Korean society, culture, and history, Dr. Henry will examine how the field in general and his path specifically have evolved over the past few decades. He will discuss current scholarly, artistic, and activist approaches to non-normative embodiment, including the journey and impact of Queer Korea and his hopes for the future of Korean Studies.

 

“Queerness” as an Embodied and Critical Approach to Korean Studies
with Todd Henry

Tuesday, May 10, 2022 | 4 PM (EDT)

The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

Join our membership program here!

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