In this blog post, I’ll summarize the academic efforts I made during high school, my club activities, examples of my consideration and cooperation, and my career preparation after being admitted to college.

Academic Experiences and Reflections

During high school, I particularly enjoyed history and Chinese. Generally, subjects like Korean history and languages tend to focus on memorization. This is because Korean history requires remembering historical facts and primary sources, while Chinese requires memorizing vocabulary and sentences. However, the approach of blindly memorizing didn’t suit me well; I had a learning style that leaned more toward understanding than rote memorization. So, instead of relying on rote memorization, I tried to find a learning method that suited me better.
When studying Korean history, I came to realize that understanding the flow and context of an era was more effective than simply memorizing isolated events. To help with this, I began reading a book titled ‘Korean History: A Comprehensive Perspective’. Unlike traditional textbook-style tables of contents, this book explained history through various overarching contexts that spanned different eras, rather than listing events chronologically. It organized history not only by historical periods but also by various themes such as the ruling and ruled classes, technology and productivity, land and taxation, society and culture, religion, foreign relations, war, and notable figures.
The advantage of this method was that it allowed me to group various events and concepts under a single theme and learn them as a “block.” For example, from the perspective of the “subjugated classes,” I was able to connect and compare peasant uprisings and popular revolts from the Goryeo and Joseon periods. Even though the eras differed, I could see at a glance how events arising from similar contexts were linked, making them easier to understand. Similarly, by approaching the subject through the lens of “religion,” I could organize how Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism influenced power structures and artistic themes by category, allowing me to grasp the overall flow.
By studying in this context-centered way, I naturally understood and retained the material without having to struggle to memorize it separately. Moving beyond fragmented memorization to develop a study habit focused on grasping the big picture was a major academic achievement for me.

Major School Activities and Reflections

I developed an interest in the Chinese language and culture when I chose Chinese as my second foreign language during my freshman year of high school. Although I had to memorize a lot of material—such as tones, pronunciation, and vocabulary—the process itself was enjoyable, and I naturally became more curious about Chinese culture. The cultural explanations in my textbooks and the culture-related content in past exam questions served as catalysts that further expanded my interest. That’s why I joined the school’s Chinese Culture Research Club.
Our Chinese Culture Research Club was a small group run directly by our teacher, but thanks to the systematic curriculum and materials based on her firsthand experiences in China, we were able to engage in in-depth learning. Drawing on her time studying in China, she often shared stories of what she had seen and heard there, and generously provided audiovisual materials such as photos and videos. Thanks to this, we were able to vividly learn about various aspects of China—such as its food culture, internet culture, industry, and education—by watching travel documentaries and footage filmed on location.
I always took notes on what I learned and organized the material by adding my personal reflections and opinions. When we combined the materials we had accumulated over the semester with those of other club members, it amounted to a significant body of content, so we decided to use it to create a magazine or booklet. To gather even more material, we explored the activities of other China-related clubs at nearby high schools. We found several clubs at neighboring schools focused on Chinese culture or language, and we saw the potential to bring them together.
Ultimately, we formed a joint club with several schools, held a joint launch ceremony, and decided to compile the content created by each club into a shared learning resource. Although editing and organizing the booklet took more than six months, seeing the finished product gave me a great sense of fulfillment as someone who participated in the editing process. Through this process, I gained practical experience in planning, collaboration, and editing, and I gained confidence that we could consistently produce results even on a small scale.

Writing About Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections

While participating in the joint club activities, I came to realize the importance of consideration and cooperation, particularly through the experience of planning an event that brought together a diverse group of external participants. I learned that interaction with not only nearby high schools but also Chinese international students and university exchange students on our campus could enhance the value of the event. Therefore, we planned a festival called “Chinese Culture Festival” where Chinese international students could freely participate.
During the planning phase, we held numerous meetings to discuss what kinds of programs would capture participants’ interest. We set up booths where people could experience traditional Korean games (e.g., Yutnori, Biseokchigi), while also structuring the program to include games familiar to Chinese international students, such as Go and Janggi. We also developed plans for physical preparations—such as installing large game boards and experience booths—as well as operational procedures.
We also placed a strong emphasis on consideration in our promotional efforts and participant recruitment. Rather than enforcing mandatory participation, we clearly highlighted the benefits of taking part. For example, we provided a modest activity stipend to those serving as event planners or staff, and offered small prizes to students who actively participated in running the programs. We also encouraged Chinese international students to participate by promising them small gifts and opportunities for continued involvement in the future.
Thanks to these preparations and considerations, the event was a great success, though some shortcomings in the operational process also became apparent. However, through the planning and execution, I gained a firsthand understanding of the value of collaboration and developed the ability to design events while taking diverse stakeholders into account. Above all, I learned that respecting each other’s cultures and ensuring all participants can enjoy themselves leads to positive outcomes.

Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans

My fundamental motivation for applying to major in Chinese stems from an interest I developed in high school. Since the process of learning Chinese was enjoyable rather than tedious, I studied even harder, and as a result, my test scores were consistently strong. My experience in the Chinese Culture Club—where I personally produced guidebooks and promotional materials and planned and organized cultural festivals—helped transform my interest into a concrete career path.
In college, I plan to continue activities aimed at promoting Chinese culture more deeply and actively interacting with Chinese international students. Building on the network and experience I gained in high school, my goal for my college years is to study abroad in China, specifically in Beijing. During my time abroad, I intend to not only experience the local culture but also to professionally study the language and my major to build my expertise.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I am considering pursuing graduate school. I believe that deeper academic training is necessary to conduct specialized research on Chinese culture. I plan to develop my research capabilities by pursuing a master’s and doctoral degree in Chinese Language and Literature, and ultimately aim to pursue a career as a scholar and educator who combines research with teaching.
Ultimately, I hope to gain practical experience as a research assistant in a laboratory dedicated to the study of Chinese culture and to serve as an instructor providing systematic liberal arts courses to undergraduate students. To this end, during my time at university, I intend to not only prepare academically but also continue to expand my practical experience and professional network.