K-Connectors 3rd Cohort team ‘KOREA: F5’ Conducts Mother-of-Pearl Craft Program with Trot Music at Sakhalin Center in Namdong-gu, Incheon

• Created 2025.12.01
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The ‘KOREA: F5’ team from the K-Connectors 3rd cohort conducted its regular Korean studies prgram on November 22nd at the Sakhalin Center in Namdong-gu, Incheon, for approximately 20 second & third generation Sakhalin Koreans. This program was designed to help Sakhalin compatriots experience Korean culture ina more familiar and enjoyable way, focusing on emotional connection through ‘song’ and cultural experience through ‘traditional crafts’.

 

The program began with learning the trot song ‘Sakhalin’. Learning the trot song ‘Sakhalin’ was designed as an activity to naturally draw out the memories and emotions of Sakhalin compatriots through music. Participants revived memories of the former Sakhalin region through the song and experienced a time to feel both Korean and Sakhalin cultures simultaneously. Particularly, as they shared the meaning behind the song ‘Sakhalin’, the compatriots shared their long-standing communal experiences. Following the song learning session, a quiz event related to ‘Sakhalin’ was held, and participants were served Pepero snacks as refreshments, prepared in celebration of Pepero Day.

The session was followed with the activity of making traditional Korean mother-of-pearl hand mirrors led by the team ‘KOREA: F5’. The team first explained the symbolic meaning of the light and patters of seashells, introducing the history and characteristics of traditional Korean mother-of-pearl. Participants then selected mother-of-pearl pieces themselves to decorate their hand mirrors, showing high satisfaction and immersion throughout the activity. After completing their hand mirrors, participants shared reflections such as, “We feel Korean culture more intimately through the pieces we created”, embodying both personal accomplishment and cultural connection beyond a simple craft activity.

Representatives from the Sakhalin Center and senior compatriots expressed their gratitude by stating, “We are so thankful that Korean students visit us every month and show their interest,” and shared their hopes for the program’s continued operation. The team ‘KOREA: F5’ also emphasized, “Cultural exchange is a process that goes beyond one-time activities; it is about continuously building relationships and creating meaning.”

 

The team ‘KOREA: F5’ plans to continue operating regular Korean studies-based programs for Sakhalin Koreans, bridging generational and regional cultural gaps and strengthening community solidarity.

 

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