The Hangul and Computer Foundation successfully concluded its first official event since its establishment. The event was attended by a total of over 500 people, including multicultural families from the metropolitan area originating from 12 countries such as China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, as well as volunteers from Rotary District 3640 and Umunji.
The Hangul and Computer Foundation announced on the 5th that it successfully completed the 'Multicultural Harmony Camp: Joy Together,' which began on the 4th. Held at Cheongrium in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, this camp expanded the support activities for multicultural families that Kim Sang-cheol Han Keom-geu-rup (Chairman) has continued for five years to a foundation level, and it was held for the second time following the first half of this year.
At the opening ceremony on the first day, scholarships totaling 30 million won were awarded to 30 adolescents from multicultural households. The scholarships were jointly provided by the Hangul and Computer Foundation, Rotary District 3640, and Umunji. Subsequently, Umunji signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Gapyeong County Family Center and Guri City Family Center, respectively, promising education and support for multicultural families in the local community.
Over the course of one night and two days, participating families engaged in diverse cultural programs that break down barriers of nationality and language. The event featured a moving performance by the Areumddeori Multicultural Choir and a special lecture by Shim Yong-hwan, director of the History Research Institute. On the green lawn, a game festival for the whole family was held, hosted by comedians Kim Jun-ho, Kim Dae-hee, and Hong In-gyu.
Calligraphy experiences using Hangul as a theme and a poetry-painting exhibition were also prepared. A world food experience booth where traditional foods from five countries, including China, Vietnam, and Thailand, were shared, and a traditional games area, were popular. The games area featured traditional experiences from various countries, including Korea's tug-of-war (tuhwa) and kicking the shuttlecock (jegi-chagi), Japan's kendama, and China's kongju.
At the 'Night of Harmony' held in the evening, a celebratory performance by the group X:IN took place. Following this, participants gathered around the lake holding lanterns and enjoyed a campfire together. The next day, a talent show awards ceremony was held, and all participants gathered on the lawn to take commemorative photos while directly creating a large character 'Harmony' symbolizing unity.
A representative of the Hangul and Computer Foundation stated, "Going forward, the foundation will take on the role of connecting people and cultures through Hangul," adding, "We will continue to support future generations, such as multicultural adolescents, so that they can grow into confident mainstays of our society, and we will widely promote the excellence and value of Hangul around the world."
Yoon Jeong, chair of the Umunji Volunteer Committee, said, "The past one night and two days, where volunteers and multicultural families blended in harmony with one heart, were a beautiful miniature of what our society should aspire to," adding, "Based on the power of warm solidarity confirmed on site, we will devote ourselves even more to sharing activities."
in TECH
