Did you know that a BTS member, J-hope was born and raised in Gwangju? If you listen to ‘Ma City’ by BTS, you will hear J-Hope rapping ‘Press 062-518, everyone.’ 062 is the area code of Gwangju and 518 is referring to Gwangju Democratic Uprising happened on May 18, 1980. J-hope's dance teacher of his chilhood in Gwangju will join our program and will teach you how to dance like BTS.

Whether made of ivory, metal, stone or wood, a Korean seal or “injang” has a long history dating as far back to 4000 B.C. (Source: The National Museum of Korea ). These unique stamps come in different shapes and sizes with letters or patterns. It can also have symbols or pictures that depict a person’s life and personality. A special red paste is used for transferring the impression onto your document. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1910), artists and scholars used them officially on their paintings or calligraphy as their signature and today they are used for financial or business transactions or for other official documents such as living wills. During the program, you can make your own Korean seal. You are able to learn about the history of the injang and even carve one yourself with your own design of your name.

Naganeupseong Folk Village is located in Jeollanam-do Province, and contains a town castle that is over 18,000 pyeong, which each pyeong equals to 3.3.sq m in size. Within the east south and west of the castle, about 100 families still reside and the castle area has been very well preserved. It’s possible to observe the daily dwellings indigenous to the South provincial area such as the kitchen area, clay rooms, and Korean-style of verandas. At every first full moon of the New Year, they hold a ritual ceremony and celebration at the general Im Kyeong-Eop monument, with games such as seesaw jumping, swings, and other folk activities.

Songgwangsa Temple is located on the west side of Jogyesan Mountain known as a famous sambosachal in Korea. Sambo means “Three treasures” in Korean, and in Buddhism there is Bulbo, Beopbo, and Seungbo. Songgwangsa Temple qualifies as a Seungbo Temple, which refers to the disciples and practitioners of Buddhism at the temple. Songgwangsa has produced many high monks since the Joseon Dynasty and is famously known for three great treasures: the Bisari Gusi, Ssanghyangsu, and Neunggyeonnansa. The road to the temple is covered by beautiful tall trees and you will be able to cross the valley by the bridge called Cheongryanggak with a pavilion on top of it for you to have a rest.

The May 18th National Cemetery is the symbol of freedom and democracy and is the grave of victims during the contention for democracy in May 1980. Victims were carried and buried by handcarts and garbage trucks in 1980. However in 1997, the cemetery was exhumed and reburied at this memorial. May 18th became a national holiday of commemorating our desire for democracy. As you arrive at this national cemetery, you will reach the commemoration passage and as you continue walking toward the Memorial Tower, under the tower, you will be able to burn incense to show respect for those of who sacrificed themselves for the democracy and understand the Korean history by viewing their works.

Seoul is the capital of Korea and the largest metropolis of the Republic of Korea. Seoul forms the heart of the Seoul Capital Area and includes the surrounding Incheon metropolis and Gyeonggi province, altogether home to roughly half of the country’s population. Seoul Capital Area contains five UNESCO World Heritage sites: Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong, and The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Moreover, Seoul has been recently elected as the major site of modern architectural construction-major modern landmarks including N Seoul Tower, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which we will be visiting for our 2 days trip to Seoul.

Gwangju Confucian School is where we will be trying out Korean Traditional Costumes and learn about Korean mannerism. The school looks like a country woman who appears to be blushing and waiting to welcome visitors. In 1985, the Gwangju Hyanggyo, the Confucian School was designated as Gwangju City Tangible Cultural Properties No. 9 after being reconstructed from a burn down caused by the Japanese army during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1597. Along with a tour around the school, you will be given an opportunity to try Korean traditional outdoor activities, costume try-outs, learn how to show respect to elders, and experience traditional marriage ceremony.

Home stay is a program can be a great chance for you to experience the different aspects of Korea’s great culture and learn more about the daily life in Gwangju, while being part of a new family. Program participants will be assigned with families that has been selected as the program host after a thorough examination of their homes. After a brief orientation in the morning to introduce about the program, participants will have chances to introduce themselves along with information about their countries. Moreover, everyone will have time to discuss on cultural similarities and differences between Korea and their home country to make short presentations at the end. Afterward, everyone will follow along with the schedule that host families has prepared earlier for the rest of the day. Students who does not apply for its program will be given a free day.

2018CNUISS participants will be visiting JS Cuisine Culinary Academy to try-out cooking the most well-known and beloved Korean dishes to many people, Bibimbap. Bibimbap can be translated into “mixed rice with meat and assorted vegetables” and you can make endless variations to this dish depending on your preference and dietary requirements. As an original style of Bibimbap, it is suggested to have at least five different colour toppings on the rice such as mushrooms, shredded cucumber, julienned carrots, sliced courgette, bean sprouts, dried seaweed, and even daikon radish. Therefore Bibimbap is not only delicious but highly recommended for also containing a wealth of nutrients.