NSLI-Y 2023 Korea – Week 4
Experiencing the Thrills of Korean Sports: A Week of Teamwork, Tradition, and Taekwondo
The fourth week of the ACES NSLI-Y Korea program proved to be a thrilling and enlightening experience for the students. From participating in traditional Korean team sports and embracing the excitement of a baseball game to mastering the art of Taekwondo and becoming K-pop performers for a day, the students were exposed to the diverse facets of Korean sports and culture. Through teamwork, perseverance, and a genuine appreciation for Korean traditions, they left an indelible mark on their journey of language and cultural immersion. As they continue to explore the wonders of Korea, the memories and lessons learned during this eventful week will undoubtedly remain etched in their hearts and minds.
Team Sports Activity: Tug of War, Jegichagi, and Flippers
The team sports activity commenced with a series of team sports activities, where students had the chance to play traditional Korean games like tug of war and Jegichagi, as well as a contemporary team game called “flippers.” These games provided the perfect setting for students to exercise their teamwork and enthusiasm, showcasing their camaraderie and spirit.
During this “Olympic” style competition with college students, our NSLI-Y students demonstrated their remarkable teamwork in the tug of war, securing the first-place position.
However, when it came to the traditional Korean game Jegichagi, they faced a tough challenge and scored lower than expected. Nonetheless, their competitive spirit returned in full force during the contemporary team game “flippers,” where they skillfully flipped colored boards to display their team color. Their agility and speed led them to victory, ultimately clinching the top spot in the overall competition.
Jegichagi: Cristina, Francine, Aditi (in action), Ezra, Charis, Natelia, Anju, Radley, Julian, and Andy.
Playing “Flippers”.
Heating up during the “Flippers” game.
Sebastian playing “Flippers”, Anju in the background.
ACES NSLI-Y Korea team celebration.
Korean Baseball Extravaganza
One of the highlights of the week was witnessing a Korean baseball game between the LG Twins and KT, two highly ranked teams in the league. While students were thrilled by the on-field action, they were equally fascinated by the unique baseball etiquette and activities present at the stadium. Unlike traditional baseball cultures, Korean audiences actively engaged in various forms of entertainment, such as dancing, singing, gaming, and water plays (during the summer). The NSLI-Y students were intrigued by the emphasis on enjoyment rather than merely cheering for a particular team, a cultural aspect that left a lasting impression on them.
Aditi, Addie, and Sean enjoying the game.
Sebastian, Ezra, and Julian made it on the screen at the baseball stadium.
Victoria and Anju on the big screen.
Charis, Natelia, Francine, Radley, Aditi, Addie, Sean, and Andy.
Group photo of the baseball game attendees. Back: Radley, Sebastian, Anju, Victoria, Francine, Natelia, Charis, Aditi. Front: Andy, Julian, Sean, Ezra, Addie.
Addie, Sean, Ezra, Julian, Andy, Sebastian, Anju, and Victoria in their seats.
Embracing the Spirit of Taekwondo
Another significant aspect of the week was the students’ engagement with traditional Korean martial art, Taekwondo. At Dankook University Gym, the students had the privilege of learning from an expert professor/coach, accompanied by four Taekwondo athletes on their journey to become Olympians. Dankook University’s reputation as a producer of Taekwondo gold medalists added prestige to the session, inspiring the students to give their best efforts. Under the guidance of the coach, the students learned the fundamental movements and kicking techniques of Taekwondo. As the session concluded, each student was able to showcase their progress by breaking a couple of planks, symbolizing not only their physical prowess but also their determination and dedication to the art.
Group photo with their Taekwondo coaches.
Charis, Andy, Anju, Addie, and Radley practicing.
Everyone practicing the coaches’ examples.
Sean and Julian practice their kicks.
Anju demonstrates her skill.
Sebastian, Radley, Ezra, Aditi, Natelia, Francine, Charis, and Anju in action.
Unleashing Their Inner K-Pop Stars
The week reached its crescendo with an enthralling session on contemporary Korean performance: K-pop dance. At Dankook University’s dance hall, the students immersed themselves in learning the iconic moves of a popular Korean song, “Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard’s wife” by LE SSERAFIM. Guided by a musical professor and her teaching assistant, the students enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to perform in groups and individually. In just an hour and a half, the students grasped the essence of K-pop dance, channeling their creativity and energy into the performance. The experience not only celebrated their passion for Korean culture but also showcased their adaptability and openness to exploring new art forms.
Anju, Addie, Victoria, Aditi, Cristina, and Natelia.
Charis, Francine, Cristina, Andy, Aditi, Addie, Sebastian, Victoria, Radley, and Ezra listen to the instructor’s notes.
Charis, Francine, Anju, Aditi, Addie, Sebastian, Victoria, Andy, Ezra, Cristina, Radley, and Julian.
Radley, Julian, and Sebastian.
Charis, Natelia, Francine, Cristina, Radley, Julian, Anju, Sebastian, Ezra, Addie, Andy, Aditi, and Victoria.
Tired, but pleased with their hard work–the group takes a photo.