A total of 60 elementary students of Korean heritage living in Japan participated in a summer camp in Seoul, where they explored the Korean language and culture, according to the Overseas Koreans Cooperation Center (OKCC), Tuesday.

The 10-day camp concluded on Monday with a farewell ceremony at Seokyeong University in Seongbuk District, Seoul. The OKCC, operating under the Overseas Koreans Agency, provides training and educational programs for people with Korean heritage living abroad.

During the camp, the children participated in intensive Korean language classes that incorporated K-pop, dance lessons, Korean cuisine and Korean fashion. 커뮤니티 They also participated in sessions focused on exploring their Korean identity by learning about historical figures such as the legendary Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

The campers also explored Korean culture and history through visits to the National Hangeul Museum. Additionally, they had opportunities to interact with their peers at Hwarang Elementary School and attended “Nanta,” a nonverbal, cooking-themed theatrical performance.

These experiences offered the students a chance to connect with their ancestral culture and roots, the OKCC said.

“Through this camp, I felt that Korea is much closer to me. I want to study Korean more diligently and keep in touch with the friends I made during this camp,” Song Yoo-jun, a student participant, said during the closing ceremony.

Jung Mi-jeong, a teacher who accompanied the students from the Kanto region of Japan, said, “It was very touching to see the students, who initially struggled with learning Korean, make an effort to use the language and create special memories through experiencing Korean history and culture. I believe this camp will serve as a great opportunity for the students to develop their identity as Koreans and grow into global leaders.”