South Korea is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and in recent years the country has grown into a leading high-tech society. In Europe we buy their advanced electric cars and robotic technology and try to keep up when they win at e-sports. South Korea is also a beautiful country with magnificent nature and impressive skylines.
Performance culture, duty, guilt and shame
How did South Korea come so far? Perhaps the answer lies partly in the South Korean school system, which is known for its discipline, hierarchy and very long school days from an early age. We get to meet both primary school children as well as young students who grow up knowing that the only way to get by is to be the best of the best. What is their take on concepts like performance culture, freedom, duty, guilt, shame and inadequacy? What motivates them and what future do they dream of? In getting to know their answers, we will learn something crucial about where we ourselves come from.
K-pop and creative youth culture
From the skyline of the giant city of Seoul with k-pop as our soundtrack, we travel through South Korea’s magnificent landscape to Gwanju in the southern part of the country. Here we will check in on their creative youth hub and get to know their students. On the way we will experience their traditional culture, learn about their fight for democracy and taste their fantastic cuisine.
North and South Sydkorea
The story of South Korea is the story of a people where families were torn apart and separated between two countries at war with each other. Today, North Korea remains a surveillance society led by a nuclear-armed dictator, while South Korea developed into an open democracy facing the West.
We will look across the strictly guarded border to North Korea and try to fathom what it is like to live in a permanent state of emergency with your family behind enemy lines.
What I remember best is the atmosphere. The atmosphere among us who attended the school, among the teachers, in the hallways, in the dining hall, the living room, and the lecture hall. There was a feeling of home and calm, but at the same time always a cozy buzz of life and happy friends.
Gertrud
I have never before experienced a community that was so full of initiative, creative, and embracing. It was crazy what we achieved together: fun theme parties, weekend activities, a revue, and so much more.
Mads Emil
You should definitely join a folk high school at some point in your life! Nowhere else can you will you more about ypurself. But remember – the only thing you can be sure of is that it won’t be what you expected.
Albert
Travel dates
Spring 2026: March 10-19, 2026
Traveling teachers
Christian Hjortkjær
Teacher // Student Counselor
www.christianhjortkjaer.dk
Peter Ravn Olsen
Teacher