By Honorary Reporter Nsikak Ekere from Nigeria

Photos= Nsikak Ekere

The University of Abuja, Nigeria, from April 4-5 hosted a gallery exhibition for Hanok (traditional costumes) at its Korean Corner for students to experience Korean culture. 

The event attracted majors from a range of departments to try on Hanbok, sample K-dramas and K-pop on tablet PCs, learn about the Global Korea Scholarship and enter a Hanbok photo contest.

A University of Abuja student reads a book on Korean literature at the school's Korean Corner. 

The Korean Corner has attracted many students since its opening on Nov. 14 last year attended by Korean Ambassador Kim Young Chae and the school's Vice Chancellor Abdul-Rasheed Na'allah.

This section displays cultural and educational resources with books such as "Kimchi In the Eyes of the World" and "Korean Grammar for Beginners," with comics available at the library.

University of Abuja students watch Korean content on tablet PCs at the Korean Corner. 

The two-day event attracted over 250 students. As a volunteer, I gave visitors a tour of the facility and introduced aspects of Korean culture. I also interviewed two students on April 4 on their impressions of the Korean Corner. 

Naomi Eso-Biachi said, "This is my first time here, and I found the attention to detail pretty and took lots of pictures of me wearing Hanbok. I looked at the accessories here including videos clips on tablet PCs. It's a great way to gather Korea lovers on campus, identify with each other and stimulate camaraderie."

Halima Afolabi added, "I'd never been to a Korean cultural center before. Bringing this to the university was cool and in my comfort zone. I learned a few phrases just from being here. I was introduced to Korean literature, comic books and entertainment with BLACKPINK and BTS albums. This gives newbies a window to learn Korean and get closer to Korea. Me speaking Korean fluently, now that would be incredible."

I interviewed three more students on April 5 on how the Korean Corner impacted their studies.

Joseph Mensah said, "As a theater arts student, I had a great experience at the Korean Corner of the University of Abuja. The beauty and colorful decorations there made me bring my gadgets to make short videos about the place and stimulated my creativity because Hanbok inspired me. The Korean Corner is educational and will improve my work."

Added Zuleihat Shaibu, "It's always been my dream to be a Korea scholar. I love Asian works, and the Korean Corner will build my knowledge of Hangeul. Since its opening, I was able to write sentences in Hangeul in a week after reading the books, a life-changing experience. The tablet PCs have added value to me through seeing Korean movies with subtitles, and I'm learning more about Korea and how its entertainment industry works."

And Emmanuel Kelvin said, "I've had a lot of Korean experiences, specifically watching Korean movies and reading books. My sister introduced me to Korean culture through many insights that broadened my perspective. One of the misconceptions that many have is that Korean culture is for girls and not boys, but I believe Korean culture also has many attractive aspects for boys like acting. As an aspiring actor, I feel I can learn through the Korean Corner, which will teach me about Korean culture to improve as an aspiring actor.”

An event at the Korean Cultural Centre in Abuja on April 4 allows visitors to try on Hanbok. 

In other news, the Korean Cultural Centre in Abuja on April 4 hosted a Hanbok-wearing event featuring such attire from the Joseon and Goryeo dynasties such as those worn by the royal family. Digital touchscreens also allowed visitors to view Hansik (traditional cuisine) along with other synthetic food.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.