College celebrates 10 years of partnership with South Korea
Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) recently marked 10 years of cultural and educational partnership with South Korea by hosting a special celebration of K-Culture.
Throughout the three-day festival held in May, BSDC hosted a variety of interactive workshops and cultural activities, from K-pop dance classes and Korean nail art to showcasing traditional Minhwa painting and Taekwondo, immersing students, staff and the wider community in the vibrant culture of South Korea.
A highlight of the week was the Korean-themed lunchtime experience, where guest chefs from Jeonju Kijeon College in South Korea prepared authentic Korean cuisine, giving students the opportunity to enjoy traditional flavours.
The festival included a Minhwa painting workshop delivered by Sungsu Lee, exploring this extraordinary form of traditional Korean art that illustrates the common people's freedom of expression and reveals their innermost thoughts and dreams.
There were Taekwondo workshops and an opportunity to experience iconic traditional Korean games featured in the hit series "Squid Game," including Ttakji Making & Ttakji Chigi, Gonggi, Jegichagi and Yutnori.
In the College’s Innovations Salon, a visiting South Korean student demonstrated a Korean shampoo and scalp massage commonly used in Korean hair spas.
Additionally, Dr. Sarah Son, senior lecturer in Korean Studies at The University of Sheffield, delivered a fascinating lecture covering topics such as contemporary Korea, Korean history, K-culture and its background, and the North and South division.
To conclude the celebrations, BSDC hosted a special evening event on Wednesday 21st May 2025, in the College’s Mulberry Restaurant.
The event featured a cultural showcase, including a traditional Korean dance performance, a Korean dining experience and special guests from the South Korean Embassy and the Korean Cultural Centre UK.
The 10-year partnership between Burton and South Derbyshire College and Jeonju Kijeon College began when BSDC hosted a 16-week visit by Childcare students as part of the Global Practical Training Programme.
Since then, BSDC has welcomed annual cohorts of students on bespoke programmes, while BSDC students have participated in Turing Scheme exchanges and innovative virtual collaboration projects.
Ann Holland, international manager at BSDC, said: “This event highlights a decade of cultural and educational exchange with South Korea, showcasing the College’s commitment to building lasting global connections.
“We were proud to mark this milestone with such an enriching week of activities and events. This valuable partnership continues to provide transformative opportunities for students, staff and the local community alike.”
