APSU Korean Culture Club Ends Academic Year with Best Organization Award, Library Display
Clarksville, TN – The Korean Culture Club at Austin Peay State University (APSU) recently won Student Organization of the Year in its first full year since its inception.
Even though the organization has a short history, it has been active since its founding in the spring of 2020 to appreciate and spread knowledge about South Korean culture to the Clarksville campus and community.
“The Korean Culture Club aims to spread Korean culture in our community and on campus,” she said.
Each week, the organization meets on campus to discuss topics about South Korean culture. The club also organizes Korean lessons and helps members learn more about Korean culture.
APSU student Jayla Milton is one of the founding members of the Korean Culture Club. She shared that being part of the organization broadened her knowledge about South Korea.
“Before joining the Korean Culture Club, I was mainly interested in Korean pop culture, but through meetings and discussions, I was able to learn more about current issues and daily things about South Korea.”
The club held events such as Squid Game Night in the fall of 2021, based on the popular South Korean Netflix show “The Squid Game”. During the event, all games – based on common children’s games in South Korea – from the show were recreated. Participants played each round and competed to become the winner. The event attracted more than 50 participants to experience Korean culture while having fun.
In January 2022, the Korean Culture Club was featured at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center in Clarksville, Tennessee, for its “Celebrating Our Korean Culture” exhibit, in partnership with the Korean American Association of Clarksville.
The organization also plans to represent the South Korean community on campus for Asia and the Pacific Islands Month in May. The club displays South Korean artifacts and information about the organization in a display case next to the Starbucks in the APSU Woodward Library.
In addition, the Korean Culture Club strives to create a friendly and welcoming environment for everyone, said Grace Kang, vice president of the Korean Culture Club.
“People often think our organization is for Koreans, and that’s not true,” she said. “We are here to share and spread knowledge about Korean culture on our campus, and we always welcome anyone who wants to join us. People in our organization didn’t know each other before the club, but we’ve become a close-knit group of friends now.
Tae Saito, the new president of the Korean Culture Club, agreed that the organization has a friendly atmosphere. She mentioned that her involvement in the organization allowed her to meet more people who share a common interest within the campus.
“Most of my friends I made at APSU were through the Korean Culture Club, and like being in any club, it’s a great place to meet other people and share interests” , she said.
Dr. Andrea Leeassistant professor of education, nominated the Korean Culture Club for the organization award, and was one of the club’s biggest supporters.
“The student leaders and club members are very creative and passionate about Korean culture. I look forward to future events,” she said. “I hope the Korean Culture Club will continue to grow and promote Korean culture on campus and in the local community.”
The Korean Culture Club meets weekly on campus to discuss Korean culture, history, and language.
Also be sure to check out the club’s showcase in the library throughout May.
