한국국제교류재단

AKF TALK

HELLO, NEW AKF!
We asked four members of the 5th ASEAN-Korea Futurist (AKF) group about their expectations and goals.

Seungha Yu (Republic of Korea))

How did you learn about the ASEAN Culture House’s AKF program?

I’d been a follower of the KF’s social media channels due to my interest in public diplomacy. When I saw the AKF call for applications, I was so excited to see the sentence, “University students interested in Korea, ASEAN, cultural exchange, and public diplomacy are welcome.” I decided right then that I want to apply.

Please state one aspect of Korea’s culture that you would like to introduce to the people of ASEAN.

The jeong (loosely translated as “close emotional bonds” or “goodwill”) that we feel when making kimchi together, a process known as gimjang. This is because most people are familiar with kimchi but not gimjang, which is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. I want more people to know about this beautiful aspect of my culture.

Le Thi Ha (Viet Nam)

Why did you apply to be a member of the 5th AKF group?

I’m a pretty outgoing person and love making new friends. As soon as I saw the AKF recruitment poster, I knew that this was the activity I’d been waiting for.

What skill(s) do you wish to develop through AKF activities?

I’m the president of the Viet Nam study abroad students’ association at the university I’m currently attending. My main responsibility is to help fellow Vietnamese students adjust to university life in Korea. I believe that I’ll learn a lot about communication andproblem-solving through the AKF program. I also wish to learn about other cultures and improve my teamwork skills.

Gregorius Kohar (Indonesia))

What is the AKF project that you are most looking forward to participating in?

The ASEAN Dessert Truck! I’d love to share Indonesian food with the Korean public and see their reaction to it. I’m also interested in the ASEAN ramen program; I want to see what ramen in other ASEAN countries tastes like.

What skills do you wish to demonstrate and improve through AKF activities?

I hope to use my film and editing skills. I also wish to improve my social and communication skills, because it’s through communication that we can better understand one another. During my time with AKF, I’d like to build the skill set that I’ll need to act as a bridge between Korea and ASEAN.

Khamkhohomphanh Phoudchaleun (Lao PDR)

Please state one aspect of your country’s culture that you would like to introduce to Korean audiences.

I would like to introduce Lao silks and cotton fabrics. Cotton is used for special events, religious rituals, and school uniforms, and can vary widely depending on the region. In December and January, the weather grows quite chilly in the north. People pass down cotton-weaving techniques to the next generation as a sign of love.

The 5th AKF group’s tenure will begin soon. What goals do you wish to accomplish through AKF activities?

I want to familiarize Koreans with my home country, Lao PDR. I would love to have opportunities to tell people from many different countries about the Lao way of life, culture, and traditions.