Korean Language/Studies Program | Past Events
This year (spring and fall of 2012), the Korean Studies Program at SDSU welcomes a Visiting Adjunct Faculty from the Academy of Korean Studies in Seoul, Korea.
Here is her message to students:
 Hello! My name is Shi Hyun Kim, and I am a visiting adjunct faculty in the Department of Linguistics and Asian/Middle Eastern Languages. I will be teaching the Korean language, as well as about Korean civilization and culture. I am excited about this opportunity and hope to serve as a bridge that can help you further your knowledge of Korean culture.
I received my Ph.D. from the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) in South Korea and have spent much of my time studying about the Korean peninsula. However, for any culture, there is a limit to how much one can learn by “book-study” alone. In order to better understand the Korean culture, one must understand the Korean way of life that has been so richly influenced by its long history.
Korea is a land of fascinating traditions and culture, and I don’t say this just because it is my homeland. Korea is also no longer an unfamiliar country that is veiled in mystery; products from companies such as Samsung, LG, Kia, and Hyundai are already an integral part of American life and have been for quite some time.
I have tried my best to experience firsthand the various traditions of Korea. I have spent a hundred days at temple training with Korean Buddhist monks in order to experience the traditions of the Son Buddhism, which has a history of more than a thousand years. I have also been participating in the unique Traditional Taoist training(기(氣, Ki or Chi) of Korea in order to better understand the purpose of the Korean Taoism traditions.
Another part of Korea’s rich culture is the long history of martial arts; I have been training for many years in Tae Kwon Do and am a Master Instructor with the Certificate of International Tae Kwon Do Instructor (by World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters). I have also traveled to many different places in Korea to meet and hear the perspectives of people who have witnessed firsthand the different developments in Korean religion, culture, and history. I am excited for this opportunity that I have to share my experiences with you.
It would be impossible for me to teach all about the rich culture and the five thousand years of Korean history in such a short time, but I promise to do my best to help you understand the relatively unfamiliar culture of Korea.
I am very excited about the new challenge and amazing opportunity I have at SDSU to learn more about the Korean culture with you. I hope that more people will gain an interest in Korea and its beautiful traditions, and that we will be able to share our thoughts and opinions via open discussions. My office is always open to anyone who wants to learn more about Korea. Please stop by – everyone is always welcome!
Korean Culture Night
November 2011
Korean Culture Night 2011 was full of energy and fun!
View the photos from the event:>
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