All of our students separated last night to stay in their host family homes. We were all really satisfied with our accommodation! All of the families live in apartments which was a bit of a change for us. Miss Morton is staying on the 42nd floor with a beautiful view!
The families were all very welcoming and the students met this morning with lots of stories about their first night. Gaja watched a Korean horror movie! The students brought typical British gifts to offer to the families which were all very well received. Our students all commented on how modern the apartments were and they were very different to the their own homes.
This morning the NGA girls traveled over to the Ulsan Foreign High School to meet up with the Nottingham Academy students. We had a tour of the school then we were given hambuls to wear. This is the traditional national dress of Korea and is worn at special events.
We learned about Korean history and culture, including how to do a traditional bow. The students practiced the bow to their teachers (Miss Morton and Miss Kistnareddy) as a sign of respect. In Korea, students have great respect for their teachers, they have a very important role in society. The team who led the culture session gave both schools 5 books about the history of Korea to be placed in the LRC for everyone to enjoy!
For lunch we went to a restaurant that served Vietnamese, Japanese, and Korean food. We had a pan of boiling stock in which we put cabbage and shredded beef to cook. We then put it in a very thin rice tortilla and wrapped it up to eat... Very strange but very tasty!!
Then it was back to Sungkwang in the afternoon to watch the students participate in a science festival. The students played science games organised by the school's student leaders.
In the evening we went to Ikea's partner's house to eat bulgogi, a delicious Korean beef dish. We all LOVE it!! In the evening we went shopping (a running theme throughout the trip!) then went our separate ways. The Korean partners are treating our girls very well. Some of the students have received gifts!
The students will be with their families this weekend and no doubt they will have so many stories to tell!
Oh and we found this on the wall in the English corridor... The famous Mr Holyk!!
