South Korea 2019
South Korea #10: Grateful For This Experience
Julia Placek ’20 and Joshua Oduro ’20 reflect on their time in South Korea with gratitude.
June 24, 2019
South Korea
Leadership in a Korean Context
The South Korea Program is an experience designed to take advantage of the numerous learning opportunities in South Korea that hold direct connections with the program pillars in the Center for Service and Global Citizenship: global studies, sustainability, and a dedication to service, while allowing students to understand and further define what it means to be a leader.
Throughout the experience, students will study Korea’s remarkable economic journey in the post-war period, while strengthening their skills and deepening their understanding of leadership in action in the world. We will analyze the benefits and costs of this development to modern Korean society, and we will explore the tension between cultural traditions and the forces of modernity within the country. Visiting sites, participating in cultural experiences, and meeting with businesspeople, government officials, and non-profit leaders, students will gain a more textured understanding of leadership in a South Korean context. Throughout, students will have the opportunity to lead their peers and/or see leadership in action.
The trip concludes with a two-day meditation at a local Temple designed to offer a time for students to reflect on their experiences and their growing awareness of themselves in the context of others and the place around them. Students will return to Deerfield with memories of Korea and a deepened understanding of what it means to turn ideas into action as leaders in a rapidly changing world. This trip is open to all students with a preference for those with a demonstrated interest in developing their leadership skills.
Program Dates
This trip has concluded. The following information has been provided for reference. Please check back soon for updates on our next trip.
Program Notes
- Families are responsible for transportation to and from U.S.-based airport to the for the beginning of the trip and the remainder of summer break
- During this trip students will stay in a hotel and a traditional temple. Meals will be shared at restaurants and on-the-go. While at the temple, all meals will be vegetarian.
Helpful links
- CDC and State Department briefings on travel to China.
Example Itinerary
June 14–20: Based in Seoul, students will visit key buildings, parks, museums and meet with local leaders such as business people, government officials, non-profit leaders, and more.
Site visits could include:
- Local temples, markets, & gardens
- Downtown Insadong, Myeongdong area & Hanok Village
- Hike to Bukhansan Mountain
- Group interaction with North Korean defectors and visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
- Visit to Hyundai Heavy Industries’ main shipyard
June 20–22: The group will travel from Seoul via train to participate in a Temple Stay emphasizing the understanding of self – This 48-hour culminating experience will present an opportunity for reflection and contemplation of our various roles as leaders in the world.
June 22–23: After closing the program in Seoul, we take off to the airport and begin our journey back home
Notes from Abroad
South Korea 2019
South Korea #9: Learning Valuable Leadership Skills
Nasir Barnes ’21 reflects on a visit with Yong Kim, CEO of Hanwha Asset Management and Head of Friends of Deerfield Korea.
June 24, 2019
South Korea 2019
South Korea #8: A Mindful Experience
Raheme Taylor ’20 and Shane McCarthy ’21 share their first day at the Hwagyesa Temple.
June 21, 2019
South Korea 2019
South Korea #7: Gratitude & Cultural Differences
Lily Steinwold ’21 shares a powerful experience while visiting the DMZ (North Korean Demilitarized Zone) and Chase Mathis ’21 describes the differences between Korean and US culture.
June 20, 2019