Sejong News
Special Liberal Arts Course: Running & Korean Culture: Exploring Korean Culture through Activities
김유리
2026-07-28
Experiencing Korean Culture through Activities
Running has no language barrier. Based on this idea, “Running & Korean Culture” is a unique liberal arts course where international students experience Korean culture through running and various hands-on activities. Moving beyond the classroom, the course breaks down cultural and national boundaries through outdoor activities.
We spoke with Professor Shin Min-cheol of the Department of Physical Education to learn more about this special course.
What kind of course is “Running & Korean Culture”?
This course was designed to help international students adapt more quickly to Korean culture and university life. The class is held twice a week: students go running on Wednesdays and participate in Korean traditional games and cultural activities on Fridays.
The running sessions take place around areas near the university, such as Children’s Grand Park and the Han River, covering distances of approximately 3–5 kilometers. The biggest goal of this course is to help students create meaningful memories and leave our university with positive experiences.
What inspired you to create an activity-based course?
For international students, classroom-based lectures conducted only in Korean can sometimes feel like a significant barrier. Sports, however, provide a way to communicate through physical interaction and naturally overcome language differences.
I wanted to create a class centered on outdoor activities where students could connect with one another without being limited by complicated terminology or explanations.
Why did you choose running as a key activity?
I considered the recent popularity of running, especially among the MZ generation. Unlike activities such as weight training, which may require learning equipment use and specific techniques, running has a low barrier to entry.
Anyone can start running with just comfortable clothes and a pair of sneakers, making it an ideal activity for international students to experience Korean culture and connect with others.
What activities do students participate in during the course?
Students take part in various team-based activities, including traditional Korean games such as “Mugunghwa Flower Has Bloomed” (a game featured in Squid Game), group jump rope, and three-legged races. They also enjoy activities such as Police and Thief, dodgeball, reaction games, and running bingo.
Students especially enjoy these activities because they allow them to experience Korean culture in a fun and engaging way. Even when communication through language is limited, they quickly understand the rules through simple explanations and demonstrations and participate with great enthusiasm.
Some students even borrow sports equipment and exercise outside of class, showing that they see the course not simply as a class, but as an enjoyable experience.
Have you noticed any memorable changes in students through this course?
What stands out most is seeing students from different countries become close regardless of language differences and gradually adapt to life in Korea.
Outside of class, students actively explore Korean culture together. They visit Gyeongbokgung Palace wearing hanbok, attend sports events, and enjoy Korean foods such as bindaetteok and tteokbokki at Gwangjang Market.
Was there a particular moment when you felt rewarded while teaching this course?
At the end of the semester, one student gave me a handwritten letter saying, “Thank you for creating unforgettable memories for me.” It was deeply touching.
I also feel rewarded when students greet me warmly on campus, calling me “Bro” or “Teacher” instead of “Professor” and giving me a high five. Seeing students feel comfortable approaching me and successfully adapting to life in Korea makes this experience very meaningful.
What would you like to say to students?
Running is an honest and attractive sport where you can see your growth through consistent effort. Even if it feels challenging at first, I hope students step outside and experience their own changes and progress.
Many students today live under intense competition and may forget the simple joy of having fun. Rather than being overwhelmed by reality, I hope they enjoy university life in a healthy way by sharing energy with others and finding happiness through activities that involve movement, teamwork, and connection.