Q. Please introduce yourself

I am Koo Seung-hyeon, a VANK youth researcher for the second half of 2024.
At VANK, I have been planning digital content to promote Korea’s history and culture and have launched various campaigns based on this work. Furthermore, I create digital content to foster a sense of solidarity around global issues and seek solutions, striving to address the shared challenges faced by the world.
My goal is to widely share Korea’s values with the world through effective content and campaigns tailored to the digital age, contributing to positive change as a global citizen.

Q. Your Projects / Campaigns at VANK?

Taekkyeon Popularization and Globalization Project

We are conducting a campaign to raise national interest in Taekkyeon and leverage the global Hallyu wave to build international support for its adoption as an official Olympic sport. As part of this effort, we launched a global promotional campaign and a separate campaign aimed at having Taekkyeon included as an official sport in the Asian Games. We believe that being featured in the Asian Games would serve as a critical stepping stone for Taekkyeon to eventually debut on the Olympic stage.

VANK has been actively working to promote the history and value of Taekkyeon worldwide and foster its growth into a global sport through ongoing campaigns. This initiative has not been limited to a single campaign but has progressed into a second phase. In this second campaign, we are focusing on key tasks necessary for Taekkyeon to become an official Olympic sport.

The primary objectives of this phase include:

1. Unifying the rules of Taekkyeon competitions to ensure standardization and recognition.
2. Enacting the Taekkyeon Promotion Act, which would provide a legal framework for systematic support and development.

This second campaign builds upon VANK’s longstanding efforts to popularize and globalize Taekkyeon. It highlights the pressing need for sustained and long-term promotional activities to achieve these goals.

Establishing an International Organization for the Repatriation of Looted Cultural Heritage

To foster global awareness and consensus on addressing the issue of looted cultural heritage, we launched the “International Organization for the Repatriation of Looted Cultural Heritage” project. As part of this initiative, I introduced three Korean cultural artifacts designated as national treasures in Japan and authored a petition urging the government to take proactive measures against the illegal export of cultural assets.

While working on this project, I moved beyond simply pointing out the issue and envisioned Korea taking the lead in resolving such problems. The looting of cultural heritage during the imperial era is not confined to any single country but is a global challenge that requires international solidarity.

Historically, nations victimized by imperialism have often sought assistance from advanced countries and the global community. However, as one of the world’s top ten economies, Korea is now uniquely positioned to unite with other victimized countries, sharing the pain of looting and collectively confronting the perpetrator nations.

Korea’s past experiences as a colonized nation provide a distinct advantage in collaborating with other victimized countries. Furthermore, with over 200 million Hallyu fans and its growing international influence, Korea has the potential to bring the issue of looted cultural heritage to the forefront and drive tangible changes.

In this context, I wrote a petition on the Woollim platform, highlighting the need for a Korean-led international organization dedicated to the repatriation of looted cultural heritage. Based on this petition, I spearheaded a campaign to raise awareness about the gravity of this issue and the importance of global solidarity among countries affected by imperialism.

To amplify the message, I created a poster envisioning a future where such an international organization is established, shedding light on the seriousness of cultural heritage looting and emphasizing the need for international collaboration among victimized nations. I also engaged with Hallyu fans, fostering empathy and exploring strategies for collective action among the affected countries.

This project demonstrates Korea’s potential to lead meaningful change on the global stage through collaboration with other victimized nations. Moving forward, I hope Korea will play a central role in fostering international solidarity and presenting viable global solutions for the repatriation of looted cultural heritage.

Q. What aspect of Korean history / culture would you like to tell Korea and the world while being an intern at VANK?

During my internship, I aim to go beyond focusing on a single aspect of Korea’s history and culture, instead striving to share Korea’s diverse facets with the world. I believe that Korean culture, which harmonizes tradition and modernity, as well as intrinsic values and innovation, serves as a universal language for global communication. The true essence of Hallyu lies in allowing Korea’s multifaceted identity to unfold naturally across the world.

Hallyu is more than just K-pop or K-dramas; it encompasses a broad cultural phenomenon, including Korea’s history, cuisine, traditions, and contemporary values. Therefore, I aspire to present Korea’s diverse aspects to the global audience, enabling them to understand and connect with Korea from various perspectives. Through this process, I aim to promote Korea’s authenticity and charm while contributing to the broader foundation of Hallyu.

Accurately conveying the facts about Korea’s history and culture is crucial. In particular, addressing the spread of misinformation and distorted narratives abroad is essential. For example, Japan’s historical distortions and China’s cultural appropriation must be corrected. Recently, neighboring countries have adopted increasingly subtle methods of appropriating Korea’s history and culture.

China, for instance, is using its cultural heritage, such as the Great Wall, to attempt historical distortions. Claims extending the Great Wall to Pyongyang represent a severe misrepresentation of Korea’s history and territory. Similarly, attempts to deny or appropriate Korea’s historical facts, such as the Dokdo and East Sea issues, have caused tensions for years. However, cases like the Great Wall demonstrate a more intricate challenge, as they exploit cultural heritage to distort Korea’s history and territory, making them harder to counteract effectively.

In this context, a more systematic and strategic preemptive response is necessary. Proactively defending Korea’s unique culture and history, correcting distorted information, and accurately conveying Korea’s authenticity and values to the world have become more critical than ever. Resolving these issues of historical and cultural distortion will help the world gain accurate insights into Korea, allowing its true charm to spread naturally and globally.

Q. What would you like to say to fellow students who are thinking of applying for an internship experience at VANK?

Participating as a youth researcher at VANK offers a valuable opportunity to promote Korea’s history and culture worldwide while driving meaningful social change. It provides a hands-on experience where you can plan and execute projects and campaigns from start to finish, making a tangible impact. This work goes beyond personal growth, as it allows you to represent both VANK and Korea in creating significant transformations.

Leading a project demands a high level of responsibility and execution. While these challenges require dedication, they also become invaluable assets for personal development. During my time at VANK, I’ve learned to view issues like historical distortion and cultural appropriation through a new lens. In the past, I might have stopped at anger and criticism when faced with efforts by Japan and China to distort or appropriate our history and culture. Now, I am determined to address these challenges directly, taking proactive steps to protect and promote our heritage.

This shift from a passive to a proactive approach has underscored the importance of safeguarding Korea’s culture and history and sharing them widely with the world. Every day, I recognize how critical it is to take the initiative in this effort.

The experience at VANK is not just an activity but a transformative journey that broadens your perspective and helps you grow as a global citizen. For those passionate about sharing Korea’s values and charm with the world, I wholeheartedly recommend this opportunity.

Q. Please introduce yourself.

Hello, my name is Hye-seung Seong, and I have been working as a youth researcher at VANK since September 2024. Through VANK’s outreach activities, I have consistently nurtured my long-standing interests in history, culture, diplomacy, and tourism. Building on this foundation, I am actively involved in various global campaigns and policy advocacy initiatives at VANK.

Currently, my focus is on exploring effective ways to promote Korea’s history and culture to the world, with an emphasis on policy development and global outreach efforts.

Q. Your Projects / Campaigns at VANK?

I am involved in a wide range of projects, from promoting accurate knowledge about Korea’s heritage and history to uncovering hidden values. Notably, I have led campaigns such as the designation of ‘Ahn Chang-ho Day,’ the establishment of ‘Taekkyeon Day,’ and efforts to include Taekkyeon in textbooks and dictionaries. Additionally, I introduced aspects of K-Food enjoyed by independence activists and organized campaigns countering China’s Northeast Project, which distorts cultural heritage.

On the international front, I worked to correct the misrepresentation of the East Sea on the global maritime information website ‘Marine Insight.’ Domestically, I collaborated on efforts to remove the incorrect English name for the Dokdo sea lion from digital materials provided by the National Institute of Biological Resources under the Ministry of Environment. These activities aim to promote and preserve Korea’s identity both at home and abroad.

Q. What aspect of Korean history / culture would you like to tell Korea and the world while being an intern at VANK?

I have a deep interest in preserving the values of Korea that are at risk of disappearing. This includes records that are becoming less accessible to the public, endangered cultural heritage, and natural elements of Korea’s four distinct seasons that are increasingly difficult to enjoy due to global warming and environmental changes.

I am passionate about raising awareness of these fading and endangered aspects of Korean culture and nature. By leveraging global platforms and campaigns, I aim to share the significance of Korea’s heritage with the world and contribute to safeguarding our unique identity for future generations.

Q. What would you like to say to fellow students who are thinking of applying for an internship experience at VANK?

I believe that working as a youth researcher at VANK provides a valuable opportunity to understand and approach the appeal of Korea in a unique way. VANK covers a wide range of topics under the umbrella of promoting Korea, including history, culture, diplomacy, and tourism. If there is a particular area of interest, I recommend deeply contemplating it and exploring it from various perspectives.

Additionally, while some aspects may be challenging to address through traditional policy approaches, I believe it is crucial to discover creative ways to tackle these issues, utilizing VANK’s distinctive approach to activities!

Q. Please introduce yourself.

Hello, my name is Ji-hye Kim, and I am a youth researcher at VANK. Since I was in the second year of middle school, I have been actively participating in VANK’s activities, which sparked my deep interest in promoting Korea to the world. Witnessing historical facts about Korea being misrepresented or distorted globally, I realized the importance of providing accurate information and fostering cultural exchange.

Through these experiences, I began working with VANK, where I truly came to understand how vital it is to correct misconceptions and spread awareness about Korea. As a youth researcher at VANK, I am eager to draw upon my past experiences to plan and execute even more impactful activities moving forward.

Q. Your Projects / Campaigns at VANK?

At VANK, I primarily focus on investigating cases of historical distortions about Korea generated by AI systems and leading campaigns to address these issues. I have examined instances where generative AI systems produce inaccurate information about Korean history, as well as how such misinformation spreads. Through related campaign activities, I work actively to correct these inaccuracies and ensure that accurate information is widely disseminated.

In addition, I am involved in researching cases of Korean historical distortions appearing in international academic journals. For instance, some global journals still refer to the East Sea as the ‘Sea of Japan.’ To address this, I am conducting correctional efforts and developing projects to raise awareness about this issue.

Q. What aspect of Korean history / culture would you like to tell Korea and the world while being an intern at VANK?

I am originally from Jeju Island, and I place great importance on the history, culture, and pride of being a Jeju resident. Jeju is far more than just a tourist destination—it is a place rich in historical background and unique cultural heritage.

The traditional culture and history of Jeju, especially the Jeju dialect and the haenyeo (women divers) culture, are invaluable cultural assets that are gradually fading away. I am deeply committed to exploring ways to promote and preserve Jeju’s distinctive cultural heritage, not only across Korea but also on a global scale.

Q. What would you like to say to fellow students who are thinking of applying for an internship experience at VANK?

Those with prior experience at VANK are likely to have a better understanding of the organization’s work and excel in their roles. While some may initially feel unsure about what to do at VANK, the organization offers numerous opportunities to design and implement projects based on your interests. This means you can create and lead initiatives that align with your passions.

Additionally, since VANK brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, it provides a unique chance to build global networks and enhance your collaboration skills. I encourage all of you to bring your enthusiasm and freely pursue the projects you’re passionate about while at VANK!

I’m Cho Suyen, a youth researcher with VANK from March to August 2024, and I’d like to share my experiences and reflections from these six months. After finishing my fourth semester, I decided to take a break from school, hoping to find meaningful work. A professor introduced me to VANK’s intern program, and although I was initially unfamiliar with the organization, the mission of promoting Korean culture and language worldwide deeply resonated with me. That inspiration led me to apply, and I began working at VANK’s Yangjae office on March 5.

Throughout my internship, I was involved in various projects each month, each one bringing unique insights and challenges:

• March: I started by writing petitions for VANK’s platforms, focusing on topics like endangered species and the rights of foreign residents in Korea. These petitions sparked my interest in a broad range of social issues and inspired me to stay updated on current events to generate impactful content.
• April: My first project as a VANK youth researcher was a campaign to raise awareness about King Sejong, which I launched alongside my fellow researcher, Choi Yeon-seo. This project celebrated King Sejong’s legacy and commemorated Teacher’s Day as his birthday. It was especially meaningful as it was my first collaboration with an external organization, the King Sejong Memorial Society.
• May: I worked on a project to promote native Korean words, particularly by highlighting subway station names derived from traditional Korean. We created petition campaigns, card news, and reels to raise awareness, even submitting a request to the Seoul Metro to include native station names in announcements to foster cultural awareness among commuters.
• June: In honor of Patriots and Veterans Month, we launched the “Put Down the Pen, To the Frontline” campaign to honor young student soldiers who sacrificed for Korea. We also began developing a metaverse project about King Sejong, which introduced me to new concepts and provided valuable teamwork experience.
• July: I started a “Living Heritage” campaign to spotlight Korea’s intangible cultural heritage. I wanted to highlight that Korea holds 22 UNESCO-designated intangible cultural assets, many of which are deeply woven into everyday life. Working with the Cultural Heritage Administration, I created materials to promote Korea’s traditional holidays, like Seollal and Chuseok.
• August: I spent my last month at VANK working on a blog series about VANK’s work on global issues and initiating a project to showcase the diverse styles of traditional Korean attire, focusing on hanbok from the pre-Joseon period. This project aimed to expand people’s understanding of Korean traditional clothing beyond what is typically seen.

As I look back, I’m grateful for the support I received from my supervisors, fellow researchers, and colleagues. Working at VANK allowed me to tackle projects that felt daunting on my own but achievable within the organization. Each project taught me a lot and brought personal growth, and seeing positive responses to our work was truly rewarding.

Now, I’m ready for the next chapter, but I’ll always be grateful for my time at VANK.

Hello,

My name is Choi Yeon-seo, and I worked as a youth researcher for VANK during the first half of 2024. As my work period, which began in March, now approaches its end in August, I wanted to look back and summarize my six-month experience.

I was introduced to VANK through the Korean Cultural Ambassadors program. During a six-month break from school, I decided to apply for the VANK Youth Researcher role, which allowed me to engage in meaningful projects.

Here’s a summary of my work:

1. Petitions (March 11-19): My initial task was to draft petitions on topics of interest for platforms such as Ullim and Bridge Asia. I wrote a total of seven petitions, which helped identify my interests and launch relevant projects.
2. World Recycling Day Card News (March 18): To highlight World Recycling Day, I created a social media post about hand warmers’ potential for recycling, which was exciting and memorable as my first official content.
3. Elementary School Ceremony in Incheon (March 20): I shared stories at a ceremony for a children’s cyber diplomacy program at Incheon Bakmun Elementary School. The experience was fulfilling and fun, and my talk even made it to social media!
4. VANK Attention Project (March 24-August 29): I initiated an SNS page, “VANK Attention,” to share petitions, allowing more visibility for various issues. Five team members posted updates every Tuesday and Thursday, which brought a sense of pride and community to our efforts.
5. King Sejong Day Project (April 1-May 23): Partnering with a fellow researcher, I launched a campaign to raise awareness about King Sejong’s birthdate on May 15, which is also Teacher’s Day. This project included collaborations with the King Sejong Memorial Society, adding significant learning value.
6. VANK’s Records: Dokdo Edition (April 2-July 15): I documented VANK’s Dokdo-related activities over the past 20 years, gathering and organizing resources from blogs, social media, and articles. It was challenging yet rewarding.
7. Pure Korean Language Project (May 17-June 4): In collaboration with a researcher, I created a project that incorporated unique design elements like animated posters and subway-related visuals. The project received positive responses from the public and transportation authorities.
8. King Sejong Metaverse Planning (June 10-26): As I continued projects about King Sejong, I helped develop a metaverse exhibit plan to honor him, crafting a detailed proposal and collaborating closely with a teammate.
9. World Hanbok Day Website (June 24-August 8): I built a website to celebrate World Hanbok Day, learning about the global Hanbok community. This project taught me about website design challenges and the responsibility that comes with representing VANK.
10. High School Lecture (July 8): At Misa High School, I delivered a 30-minute lecture introducing VANK’s activities, tailored for high school students. The experience was heartwarming and reminded me of the importance of relatable communication.
11. Use Our Heritage Correctly Project (July 18-August 26): I worked on a project to highlight accurate translations of Korean cultural terms. This project, in collaboration with another researcher, involved poster design and reel creation, helping educate about preserving heritage.

Through these projects, I grew both professionally and personally. Thank you to everyone who supported my journey as a VANK youth researcher!

Hello. I served as a youth researcher at VANK for six months. Here’s a summary of my activities during that time.

Motivation to Join VANK
As a student passionate about Korean history, I was drawn to VANK’s mission as a “cyber diplomatic mission,” and I applied for an internship.

Petition Activities
I wrote 20 petitions: 11 for the Woollim platform and 9 for Bridge Asia. Ullim petitions focused on spreading awareness of Korean history and culture, including a memorable petition about traditional Korean snacks. Bridge Asia petitions addressed global issues like climate change and water scarcity, deepening my understanding of international concerns.

Campaign Against China’s Historical Distortions
VANK consistently challenges China’s Northeast Project and historical distortions. Through my work, I focused on the issue of the Great Wall’s eastern endpoint, which China falsely extends into Korea’s Goguryeo territory. I launched a campaign to raise awareness about these distortions and created a Korean and English card news series on the history of Goguryeo’s Bakhjak Fortress.

Korean Native Animal Campaign
While working on cultural projects, I came across the Dokdo Sea Lion campaign, which led me to start the “Korean Native Animals in Korean History” campaign. Through six card news posts, I introduced native animals, including endangered species like the Jeju dolphins, and educated about historical facts, such as the tragic killing of native Korean dogs during the Japanese occupation.

Heritage Preservation Campaign
Inspired by the return of Goryeo lacquerware in 2022, I launched the “Protecting Cultural Heritage” campaign, highlighting the efforts to repatriate Korean heritage items and the people who work toward this cause.

Collaborative Experiences
Through VANK, I had the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from various fields, learning about their pride and expertise. Traveling across Korea, I also grew to appreciate its beauty.

Conclusion
My time at VANK was made possible by the team’s support, allowing me to tackle diverse projects and learn invaluable skills. Although my VANK journey has ended, I’ll carry forward the moments of promoting Korean history and culture. Thank you for everything!

My first encounter with VANK was challenging.

It all started as I approached my graduation in February 2024, pondering how best to spend the next six months. I was already accepted to my dream graduate program in the UK, where I’d start my master’s studies in six months. So, I wanted to make this time meaningful.

During this planning phase, my family suggested I try a short-term internship. That’s when I found out about the “National Heritage Industry Internship Support Program.” We could choose up to four organizations, ranked by preference. I didn’t expect much due to the competitive selection process, but on February 22, I received my acceptance, and by March 4, I was officially starting work.

Out of nearly 100 participating organizations, I chose VANK. Although I hadn’t known much about VANK before, the idea of a “cyber diplomatic mission” resonated with me, given my interest in foreign policy and plans to study it further in grad school. I ranked VANK as my top choice, and fortunately, I was accepted for a six-month role.

Starting out, I was unfamiliar with VANK’s activities and mission, so I focused on learning about the organization’s past projects and vision.

March – Taking the First Steps

In March, my main responsibility was drafting petitions for VANK’s platforms, such as Woollim and Bridge Asia. I chose topics close to my interests in history, diplomacy, and culture. Petitioning may seem simple, but getting people interested and engaged through research and communication proved more challenging than expected. I wanted my topics to be original, so each one took careful planning.

Some of these petitions later evolved into campaigns that received a lot of support, which made me proud of the work. Bridge Asia petitions covered issues like climate crisis awareness, Taiwan, air pollution, marine pollution, drug prevention, the plight of Uyghurs, soil contamination, space debris, and aquaponics.

April – Growing Connections

April marked the start of more hands-on work. Inspired by a climate-related lecture I attended, I developed more climate crisis petitions for Bridge Asia. For Earth Day on April 22, we launched a campaign with infographics to encourage climate action.

Collaborating with fellow intern Kwon So Young, we initially planned a five-day posting schedule before Earth Day. However, we were advised to start earlier, which meant diving into extended campaign planning. It was my first experience creating campaign posters and coordinating with partners—my first taste of real-world project management.

Together, we made five infographics, and to my surprise, many people on Instagram responded by sharing their own climate-action activities. This gave me the motivation to continue. I also created my first infographic on VANK’s account, highlighting female lawmakers in the Provisional Government to commemorate its founding anniversary on April 11.

May – Embracing New Challenges

In May, I had the chance to attend meetings with organizations like the Korean National Diplomatic Committee, meeting people outside of VANK and broadening my perspective.

However, the main challenge of May was creating the “Korean Food Challenge” website. During an April meeting, I learned that this project would be assigned to me. Having shifted from a science track to humanities for college, I hadn’t touched coding since high school, so the task seemed daunting. But, with guidance from my colleague, I managed to get the site up and running, completing what turned out to be a rewarding project.

June – Honoring Heroes

In June, I partnered with fellow researcher Cho Suyen to launch a Memorial Month campaign inspired by the student volunteer corps. My grandfather had fought in the Korean War, which deepened my appreciation for this campaign.

We made three infographics, and the campaign received enthusiastic participation. Additionally, we created quizzes based on our content, which drew a lot of interest. Through this campaign, I felt a strong sense of gratitude and pride for the student volunteer corps and the broader legacy of independence activists.

July – Moving Forward

July saw the continuation of our climate project from Earth Day, now with a focus on a new website. Reading climate-related books and researching the field, our three-person team, fondly called the “climate trio,” started creating a climate ambassador site.

It was my second website in six months—a first for any VANK intern. Though challenging, this experience broadened my knowledge and pushed me to keep learning.

August – Farewells and New Beginnings

August was packed. I attended an MOU ceremony with the Gyeonggi Provincial Government on my birthday, making it an unforgettable day. I also gave a climate lecture at Yeongcheon Middle School, a first for me, and despite my nerves, the experience was rewarding.

My final task was completing VANK’s global climate ambassador campaign website, with new templates and artwork from an illustrator. Wrapping up this project on August 23 felt like a personal milestone. Though creating two websites was demanding, seeing them completed left me with a deep sense of accomplishment.

One last project was the Resistance Poet Project, which highlighted poets who resisted colonial rule through literature. This project, which coincided with National Liberation Day, gave me a renewed respect for these poets’ unwavering spirit and creativity.

We also launched the “Our Heritage, As Is” campaign, encouraging the world to embrace and use Korean cultural terms like “hanbok.” Working with my colleagues to create Instagram reels instead of static posts brought a new level of creativity to the campaign.

Reflection

My six months with VANK were simultaneously brief and transformative. I learned a lot about Korean history and diplomacy, and I had the chance to work on meaningful campaigns involving climate action and Korean cultural promotion. I’m grateful for this experience and plan to support VANK’s future initiatives to promote Korean history, culture, and territorial integrity on the global stage.