Sangyoub Park, Washburn University, worked with the International Center of Topeka (ICT) on showcasing Korean culture for the Topeka community. ASA asked Park about that work:
What is the mission of ICT? The mission of the International Center of Topeka is to foster interest in international and intercultural issues through educational, cultural, and social programs in service to the Washburn University campus and the Greater Topeka community.
Can you describe the project? On March 9. 2018, ICT hosted an event focusing on Korea (see more on this event here). Every year ICT selects a country and celebrates its culture. This event, Getting to Know Korea 2 (I organized the same event in 2010), showcased a wide range of Korean culture involving food-sampling, playing traditional toys, wood blocking, etc. I am chair of this event.
What sociological knowledge and/or skills did you use? My teaching and research focus is on East Asia including China, Japan, and Korea. Through this event, I tried to show how Korea has changed over 20 years and how Korean culture is embraced in the U.S.
Duration of the project? Five months.
Is there anything else you would like to share about this work? ICT is one of a few organizations that can bring diversity to Topeka.
