화랑 청소년재단 소속 학생들이 발간한 영어판 한국 역사책들. 왼쪽부터 'From Past to Present/The Journet of south Korea's Development', Korean Fable picture Book' 3권, 'Peace to the Comfort Women' [화랑 청소년재단 제공]

화랑청소년재단(총재 박윤숙)이 지난달 26일 LA한국교육원 강당에서 한국의 역사와 문화를 깊이 탐구하는 특별 세미나를 개최했다. 이번 행사에는 200여 명의 학생과 학부모, 전문 교사들이 참석했다.

이날 세미나는 한국 역사와 유산을 전 세계에 알리고, 청소년들이 자신의 뿌리를 재발견하며 글로벌 리더로 성장할 수 있도록 돕는 것을 목표로 했다. 특히, 이날 학생들은 직접 연구하고 제작한 특별 도서를 공개해 주목받았다.

이날 발표된 도서는 대한민국의 발전을 역사적, 문화적, 현대적 관점에서 연구한 것으로, 학생들이 영문으로 직접 제작했다. 발표자들은 고조선의 역사부터 일제 강점기, 한국전쟁을 거쳐 이룩한 대한민국의 경제성장까지 주요 역사적 이정표를 잘 정리했다.

이번 출간은 앞서 발간된 3권의 민속동화와 일제 강점기의 종군위안부에 관한 책에 이어 진행된 다섯 번째 프로젝트다. 또 화랑재단의 지속적인 교육·문화 활동의 일환이다. 도서의 삽화와 디자인도 회원들이 직접했다.

On January 25, 2025, educators, community leaders, and members of the Hwarang Youth Foundation gathered at the Korean Education Center in Los Angeles for the “Spreading South Korea’s Development” seminar. The event explored South Korea’s extraordinary transformation from a war-torn nation to a global powerhouse, offering attendees a chance to engage with its rich history, culture, and modern accomplishments. The seminar began by focusing on South Korea’s rapid economic development, examining how the country rose from the devastation of the Korean War to become one of the world’s most advanced economies. The discussions expanded to include the cultural elements that shaped South Korea, emphasizing how traditions, language, and values influenced the nation’s success. One of the seminar’s most engaging aspects involved traditional Korean games, many of which gained global attention through the hit series Squid Game. Attendees participated in a game called Mingle, where participants walked in a circle and formed groups based on numbers called out by the facilitator. This activity not only offered a fun, interactive experience, but also provided deeper insight into Korea's traditional pastimes and their evolution in contemporary culture. It gave participants an opportunity to reflect on the intersection of Korea’s rich heritage with the modern world, where traditional games found new relevance in global media. A key highlight of the seminar featured the unveiling of a book created by the Hwarang Youth Foundation. Written by the youth members of the Foundation, [the book] combined historical, cultural, and modern-day perspectives on South Korea, reflecting the diverse knowledge gained while researching the nation’s development. Student speakers presented key themes from the book, sharing insights on Korea’s unique traditions, historical milestones, and the rapid economic transformation that unfolded over the past few decades. Through this project, young participants not only explored their heritage but also gained a sense of ownership over their country’s narrative, making the seminar deeply personal and educational. The seminar’s focus on youth involvement underscored the importance of cultural knowledge in shaping future leaders. The Hwarang Youth Foundation, known for its commitment to empowering youth through cultural education, highlighted how understanding one’s heritage proves essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world. This theme of cultural knowledge resonated throughout the event, particularly during discussions on how South Korean culture shaped global trends. K-pop, for example, exploded internationally, transcending language barriers and setting new standards for music production, choreography, and fan engagement. Similarly, South Korean cinema, with international successes like Squid Game and The Glory, reshaped global perceptions of storytelling, showing how unique cultural narratives can captivate a worldwide audience. The seminar also explored South Korea’s leadership in technology, with discussions on innovations in consumer electronics and digital infrastructure. These technological advancements propelled the country to the forefront of the global economy, while positioning it as a cultural and technological trendsetter. As the event concluded, attendees walked away with a renewed appreciation for South Korea’s development, both past and present. Ultimately, the seminar successfully highlighted the ways South Korea’s history, culture, and technological innovations continue to shape its global influence, while also fostering a deeper understanding of how the younger generation plays a vital role in carrying forward this legacy.