Students from High Schools North and South present the annual Korean Festival, a cultural event that shares a taste of Korean culture with the community, on Friday, March 26, at 6 p.m. at High School South. The festival is the combined efforts of the Korean bilingual class and the Korean Club. Their advisor, Janice Chai, teaches ESL and Korean Bilingual at South. A $10 admission, which includes Korean food and a show, benefits both World Vision and Angel’s Wings.
“The event is a blend of traditional Korea and modern Korea,” says Chai. “The audience will experience the nation’s history from the old days to nowadays through displays of food, a play, dances, martial arts, a fashion show, and a staged wedding.” Korean foods presented include Bulgogi, a beef dish; Japchae, a noodle dish; and kimbob, a rice dish.
“I can’t say that the audience should expect a Broadway show, but I can guarantee a genuine cultural blend of the East and West,” says Chai. The show presents Korea blended with traditional and modern cultures featuring a traditional fan dance, drum dance, flower dance, martial arts, Taekwondo, a Korean wedding, a play based on one of the Korean folk tale, Hungboo and Nolboo, and a fashion show featuring traditional and modern Korea.
Students from various cultures are members in the club. “They have learned the Korean language and songs, cooked Korean food together, enjoyed Korean traditional games, and participated in many events with Korean cultural based programs,” says Chai. “All those big and little activities were the stepping stones to bring this festival together. And all the members, both Koreans and non-Koreans are just happy working together to introduce the Korean culture.”
The Korean Club also participates in Plainsboro programs of Founders Day every May and Traditions every December. Members perform traditional and modern dances while demonstrating the martial arts, Taekwondo, and making Korean food to share with the community.
“Through the preparation, the students involved in the making of the Korean Festival have learned about commitment, leadership, and cooperation,” says Chai. “And the culmination of their efforts will have a positive impact on the community today and in years to come”
— Lynn Miller
Korean Festival, High School North and South, at High School South, 346 Clarksville Road, West Windsor, 609-716-5050, www.ww-p.org. $10 for dinner and a show. Friday, March 26, 6 p.m.
