By John Okeke
The Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), recently held a Hangeul writing workshop in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of the country. The Centre is well known for its glamorous cultural events that are aimed at educating, and most interestingly; give Nigerians and many diplomatic personnel in the country fun-filled opportunity to have a taste of the famous Korean culture.
KCCN has given many Nigerians many opportunities to participate in Korean educating fashion, cooking and other numerous cultural events. The testimonies of the experiences by those who have had the opportunity, speaks volumes. This is apparently why the participants of the writing workshop: put together to mark the celebration of Hangeul proclamation day usually celebrated on 9th of October in Korea every year, said the workshop was a rare opportunity with indelible mark.
Accordingly, the event began with a video clip that explained and gave the participants insight of the origin and history of Hangeul. Following the video clip explanation of Hangeul, the host of the writing workshop; Miss. Kim Suyeong, formally kickstarted the event by teaching the audience words pronunciation and writing in Korean.
Using the Korean traditional brush, she also taught the audience the basics of Hangeul calligraphy. In the Centre’s usual fun activity for their event, she had the audience participated in a Hangeul quiz and also practiced Hangeul calligraphy on Korean Hanji paper.
Among the participants, 3 person emerged best as winners in the Hangeul calligraphy text writing. They were gifted Korean traditional purse & pen case; courtesy of the King Sejong Institute Foundation in Korea.
Some of the participants praised KCCN for the event, said that it was one a kind. A participant named Shime said, Hangeul is more than what is seen in K-drama’s and movies. She added that writing the Hangeul words and alphabets was difficult at first but once her hands got familiar with the usage of the calligraphy pen, it became easier. She further expressed her wishes to try it again.
On his part, Mr. Gustavo, a Spanish Embassy personnel said the event was really interesting; he learnt a lot. He said as an enthusiast of Korean language, the event has increased his interest to learn the language furthermore, especially how to identify some letters and read some words in Korean. He also mentioned that writing Korean letters and words using the calligraphy style was very interesting.
Christy, a Sejong Institute Korean language student said she was happy the event was organized. It was fun for her that it a lot of fun things about Hangeul was explained. She added that she usually used a pen when writing Hangeul letters or words, but learning how to write using the calligraphy brush was very interesting. She went on to say that it was difficult at first but after couple of trials, it became easier. She also expressed her interest to experience it again.
Another participant; Ikechukwu Ibeh, said before the program, he could only identify few Hangeul letters however event helped him to know how to put different letters together to form a word. He also said he learnt the different names for each family member in Korean. Asked about his thought on the calligraphy style of writing he said it’s a writing skill that can be learnt after much practice.
Fransisca a participant on her part said the event was really informative and exciting. He added that it was also her first time writing anything in Hangeul. She also really enjoyed writing the Korean alphabets and words using the calligraphy pen provided and would definitely love to try it again.
Aminat, also a participant said the event was fun and interesting. She explained that she thought Hangeul was very difficult to learn but the event changed her perception and also strengthens her interest in learning Hangeul.
In the vein, Gift John said the event was interesting as it helped her to improve her Hangeul writing skills. The workshop gave her the opportunity to learn more alphabets and sounds. She said as a beginner, it is easier to write the Hangeul alphabets and words using a regular pen, but with consistency and practice she can learn how to write with a brush.
Rophiat Ganiyu another participant said the event was fun. ‘Learning how to use the brush was nice although using it at first was a little difficult, but after learning how to make the strokes it became easier.” She noted she will continue to practice writing Korean text using a brush so she can perfect the art.
