If you type 'a university student' in the search engine, you can see the word, 'Traveling', in related searches. It shows that many college students are interested in going on a trip. Not only university students but also many people are interested in traveling. To quote many travel books, "traveling is definitely right". CWNU students, if you want to have special memories of backpacking in Korea, join 'Beautiful Korea'.

Every year, the CWNU International Affairs Department implement a cultural-experience program. This year, they held a program, named Beautiful Korea. For international students, it provides an opportunity for them to experience Korean culture and have correct historical recognition. Also, through this program, Korean students can have a chance to speak in a foreign language and work as global public ambassadors, who introduce Korean culture.

Each team consists of 2 international students and 1 or 2 Korean students from CWNU and they go traveling in Korea for one night, two days. Students, who want to participate in this program, should make teams, choose one region to travel and write a trip plan about "Korean culture and history". Selection criteria include: how relevant the subject is, adequate budget planning, and how well preliminary researches are made. The English grade is NOT important. The teams that pass the evaluations can go on tour with financial support. This year, 10 teams were chosen and they traveled in Korea between June 21st and August 17th.

One team, called '24 hours are not enough', visited Jeonju. They chose Jeonju because they wanted to visit beautiful Korean-style houses (Hanok) and to experience traditional Korean dress (Hanbok). After they arrived at Jeonju, they visited Jeonju Hanok village. "Jeonju Hanok village was made after Eul Sa Neuk Yak, the Protectorate Treaty between Korea and Japan concluded in 1905. To fight against extensions of the Japanese power, Koreans built their houses and stayed in them. Shin Na-yeong, a Korean team leader, said, “We wanted to tell foreign students about the spirit of Korea." Jin Ying, a Chinese international student, said, "To me, Jeonju was the first Korean traditional region I have experienced since I came to Korea. I could understand alot about Korean culture."

All the teammates said that they couldn't find any specially difficult part during the program.

"Through this program, I realized that international students wanted to know about Korea more than Koreans and to communicate with Korean students. I was grateful that I could get the chance to eliminate a barrier in my mind and have another precious friend", said Na-yeong. Also, Jin Ying recommended the program to her friends, "It's a nice chance to make good friends and have unforgettable memories. Many CWNU international students, if you want to make pleasant memories, please join this Beautiful Korea program!".

As they said, don't afraid to travel with foreign students. It is a great chance broaden your mind and to make foreign friends. If you want to get more information about this program, go to the International Affairs' homepage (http://portal.changwon.ac.kr/home/affairs) or call to 055)213-2632.

Jeong Won-kyeong  -

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