On November 26 (Wed), the Injeolmi Team of the 3rd cohort of K-Connectors held an open booth event themed around Korea’s seasonal divisions (jeolgi) in the area near the back gate of Inha University. Approximately 150 participants took part in the event, demonstrating strong interest. The activity provided an opportunity not only for international students but also for Korean participants to gain a renewed understanding of the cultural significance of seasonal divisions.

At the booth, the team introduced their two core programs, “Jettae-Bapttae” and “Ongijongi.”

“Jettae-Bapttae” is a program designed to introduce Korea’s seasonal divisions and traditional customs, explaining the meanings of each season alongside related seasonal foods and practices in an accessible manner. Prior to the event, the Injeolmi Team had released content on four seasonal divisions via Instagram, and during the booth activity, they conducted quizzes based on these themes to actively engage participants.

The event received particularly positive feedback for its ability to naturally convey the meanings of seasonal divisions—concepts that even many Korean participants were not previously familiar with. In addition to university students, nearby elementary school students and local residents also joined the activity, creating a space for cultural exchange that extended beyond the boundaries of the university campus and into the local community. Participants shared that the experience allowed them to rediscover the origins of seasonal terms and the everyday wisdom embedded in seasonal changes.

Also introduced during the event was the “Ongijongi” program, which aims to support youth from multicultural families in recognizing their cultural backgrounds as valuable assets. Centered on traditional folktales from participants’ parents’ countries of origin alongside Korean folktales, the program seeks to help multicultural youth establish a positive cultural identity. Beyond simple instruction in Korean culture, Ongijongi holds significance in encouraging young participants to view their multicultural heritage in a positive and empowering light. This vision aligns with the Injeolmi Team’s core message that Korean society should respect and carry forward the cultural backgrounds of multicultural youth.

Meanwhile, “Jettae-Bapttae” is designed as an integrated online–offline program that enables not only on-site participants but also the broader public accessing content online to deepen their understanding of Korean seasonal divisions and seasonal foods. By presenting the meanings of seasonal divisions in an engaging and approachable way, the program demonstrates strong potential for broader public dissemination. It is also expected to generate public diplomacy effects by helping international students become more familiar with Korean culture and apply it in their daily lives.

This open booth activity at Inha University was meaningful in that it widely shared the objectives of both programs and expanded the foundation for mutual cultural understanding among participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. Moving forward, the Injeolmi Team plans to continue its efforts to promote awareness of seasonal culture and enhance multicultural sensitivity, contributing to the expansion of cultural diversity within Korean society.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/injeolmi_inha/