Following an “interruption” of several years because of pan
demic protocols, the ICP Korea Forum returned on November 24 at the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) on Elgin Street. More than 70 International Certificate Program (ICP) students from many of the 23 OCDSB secondary
schools that offer the ICP were in attendance.
The event began with an address from the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Lim Woongsoon. Ambassador Lim emphasized the importance of the sharing of information between different cultures to foster understanding and cooperation. His Excellency’s address to the students was his first official duty as Ambassador, as he had only just presented his Letter of Credence to the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, the day before.
KCC staff members Ms. Sungeun Lee, KCC Director, and Ms. Min Jeong Kim welcomed the students to the KCC and hosted an
entertaining and interactive online game about Korean
traditions and popular culture.
Sean Oussoren, OCENET International Education Coordinator, then introduced each ICP student presentation about Korea. Over the course of the morning and early afternoon a wide range of topics were explored in 10 student presentations. Anya Watson and Dina Keshavarz from Nepean HS presented on the topic Secondary Education in South Korea. Jessica
Schmidt of West Carleton SS delivered a presentation entitled Korean Language101: Introduction to Hangul. A vigorous debate amongst six
students from five different schools addressed the issue of South Korea’s Mandatory Military Service. Students Jana Othman, Elif Kilic and Cindy
Zhao from Earl of March SS, AY Jackson SS, and Merivale HS provided insights into their experiences as participants in the the Jeju Youth
Forum. These are just a few of the informative presentations delivered by the ICP students.
The day concluded with a group photo and a lunch of a variety of Korean foods.
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Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Lim Woongsoon, welcomed the
audience of 70 OCDSB International Certificate students to Ottawa’s the Korean Cultural Centre on Elgin Street
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ICP students at the closing of the Korea Forum 2022
– photo by Hayoung Cho |
As in past years, the Korean Cultural Centre was a generous supporter and partner with the OCDSB International Certificate Program.
Many thanks to Ambassador Lim and the staff at the Korean Cultural Centre. In every respect the KCC lives up to its mandate, which is
“to enhance Korea-Canada relations by promoting mutual understanding between Koreans and Canadians through the sharing of Korean culture".