K-Pop Academy [Week 6]

Today we had the opportunity to visit Ambassador Choo's residence in London. As the Ambassador is very busy, we were privilaged to have the chance to go to his house so we could learn more about Korean traditions.

As we entered the Ambassador's house, we were warmly greeted by the Ambassador and his wife Madam Song.They were dressed in hanboks, traditional Korean attire, which gave the house an authentic Korean feel.

We were then lead to a impressive room and offered drinks. I had a delicious apple and cinnamon drink. Laid out on a large table was an assortion of beautifully decorated traditional Korean snacks. Ambassador Choo introduced himself and his wife and made us all feel at ease. He told us to help ourselves to the food even holding the tray for us and recommending his favourite snacks.

Ambassador Choo and Madam Song with the impressive table of Korean food
Source: KCCUK

Ambassador Choo talking to students
Source: KCCUK

Source: KCCUK

As everyone was trying out all the snacks, students were talking to the chef. He was happy to ask everyone how the food was made and more about Korean food in general. Seeing as Korean food is made from scratch, he must have worked really hard to make such a large quantity of food so it was really impressive.

Chef talking to a K-Pop Academy student
Source: KCCUK

Source: KCCUK

 All the snacks were delicious especially rice cake that was stuffed with sesame seeds. I remember having them in Korea so it brought back memories having it again after so long. Also, the apple and cinammon drink was tasty. It even had little stars in it which were made of fruit, I think.

After tasting yummy Korean food, we were then given a short presentation of what we have done at the K-Pop Academy so far. It doesn't feel like 6 weeks have passed by. Then we had a brief presentation about Korean holidays such as Chuseok (추석) and Hansik (한식) and this helped us understand Korean traditions. For instance, bowing (절) to elders in Korean culture is seen as a form of respect especially bowing to the grave deceased anscestors.

Source: KCCUK

This presentation was then followed by a Q&A session with Ambassador Choo and Madam Song. To break the ice, I asked them about their thoughts on the Hallyu Wave. 

Source: KCCUK

 My fellow classmates asked really interesting question about the future plan of promoting K-Pop in the UK, to which the Ambassador replied that there are plans for a K-Pop concert in the O2 Areana on the 3rd June. Yes, you read that right. A K-Pop concert on the 3rd of June in London. We all cheered with delight~!

Ambassador Choo announcing plans about a K-Pop concert
Source: KCCUK

Then we formally presented the gifts all of us students got for the Ambassdor and Madam Song. It was our way of saying thank you. I hope they liked the presents.

 

Madam Song, Ambassador Choo and I
Source: KCCUK

Next it was time for us to learn how to bow properly. We were split into small groups so that we could then bow to the Ambassador and Madam. We tried several times until we were in sync. The students who were the best at bowing wore hanboks.

A rather dodgy picture of us practicing how to bow
Source: KCCUK

Each group entered the room one by one and bowed. Everyone tried really hard. My team were picked as the best team and given a gift. As well as this, the two students who were the best at bowing were given a gorgeous fan.

The keyring we won

Chloe and Sean bowing in hanboks
Source: KCCUK

The Ambassador continued talking to us about Korean traditions and joking around. It was really nice because he was asking us questions and it felt like we were all having a conversation which made the serious atmosphere feel more confortable and eased our anxiety. He told us about Korean herbal medicine and even tried out a Korean remedy on a student.

Ambassador Choo trying a Korean remedy on Sean
Source: KCCUK

Group picture of Ambassador Choo, Madam Song, KCC staff and K-Pop Academy students
Source: KCCUK

Overall, I had a lot of fun at the ambassadors home. We were really lucky to have the chance to visit it and we felt very welcome due to his hospitality. Also, we learnt a lot about Korean culture through this visit.

Thank you KCCUK for organising this visit. ^^

-Tamanna