A delegation of 19 school principals from Australia recently completed a successful 10-day educational visit to Korea, which took place from September 29 to October 9, 2024. Organized by the Korean Education Centre in Sydney, this program aimed to deepen understanding of the Korean education system and enhance educational exchanges between the two countries.

Participants included principals and officials from New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and Western Australia. They explored various educational institutions, engaged in cultural experiences, and toured industrial facilities.

Since its inception in 2010, this annual program has aimed to foster a better understanding of Korea among Australian educators and promote the adoption of Korean language programs. Participants only had to cover their airfare, with the Korean Education Institute covering accommodation costs, supported this year by the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education.

The delegation attended an opening ceremony hosted by the Education Superintendent of Daegu, Kang Eun-hee, and visited several educational institutions, including the Gyeongbuk National University of Education, POSTEC, and various schools in Busan, among others. They gained insights into the Korean education system and historical context through lectures and site visits.

Cultural experiences included visits to historical sites such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju, as well as Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. They also toured POSCO in Pohang and Hyundai Motors in Goyang, observing how iron ore imported from Australia is utilized in Korean industry.

The principals had the opportunity to experience popular aspects of Korean culture, such as K-pop, through activities organized by the Korea Tourism Organization, including a Nanta performance and a visit to the Kimchi Museum. They also visited the UN Memorial Park in Busan and the Australian Embassy in Korea, where they engaged in discussions with Ambassador Jeff Robinson about the close ties between Korea and Australia.

The Australian principals expressed their admiration for Korea's education, history, culture, and industry. They thanked their hosts for the warm hospitality and committed to promoting the Korean language and understanding in Australia. Jacqueline Gordon, Principal of Normanhurst Public School, noted, "Participating in this program was a tremendous honor. I was deeply moved by the Korean education system and culture."

Su Hill, Deputy Principal of Neutral Bay Public School and a 1.5 generation immigrant with Korean roots, shared her emotional experience, stating, "I felt a deep connection to Korea’s painful history and development throughout the visit." Kerry Law from the Victorian School of Languages expressed her commitment to finding ways to promote Korean language programs in Victoria after this enriching experience.

Teresa Naso, Principal of the NSW School of Languages, highlighted the recommendations from her peers for this program and expressed her intent to share her newfound knowledge with staff, students, and local educational stakeholders.

Ji-young Kwon, Director of the Korean Education Centre in Sydney, plans to incorporate feedback from the delegation to continuously improve the program. She expressed optimism that this initiative will expand the adoption of Korean language courses in regular primary and secondary schools in Australia, fostering long-term educational exchanges between Korea and Australia.

Currently, approximately 8,700 students study Korean as a regular subject across 71 schools in Australia.