Mission Statement

The Korea Academy provides opportunities for educators to learn about Korean history and culture and the Korean American experience in order to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Vision

The Korean population has increased rapidly in the United States, especially in the Los Angeles area, but opportunities for educators to be informed about Korean history and culture have not kept pace with changing demographics. China and Japan continue to be emphasized in schools and teacher education programs, but Korea is rarely mentioned.

Our five-day seminars and weekend workshops aim to remedy this deficiency. Public and private school teachers will become more knowledgeable about Korea and its rich heritage. They can then see the complete picture of East Asia. Furthermore the role that the United States must play in supporting peace and stability throughout East Asia will come into focus. Understandably Korean American students too will profit from learning about their heritage

In order to accomplish these objectives, prominent scholars, writers, artists, musicians and others are hired to present varied aspects of Korean history and culture. Educators also receive extensive handouts that include valuable resources and helpful lessons to bring the country into the classrooms. Teachers and school administrators learn about the Korean American experience and become more effective in meeting the needs of these students and their families.

Racial tension does exist in Los Angeles and other major cities. Immigration and family mobility have increased the problem. Public schools have serious financial constraints that limit their ability to meet the challenges of racial and ethnic diversity, to say nothing of the poverty and stress that have become an unfortunate reality of urban life.

Up to now the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles has provided the educational programs for approximately 250 educators from nineteen public school districts and twelve private schools. The Korea Academy wants to expand the endeavor to include teachers and curricular supervisors from other areas of the United States, particularly those with large Korean populations. We continue to collaborate with existing educational foundations, such as the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture, the East Rock Institute and the National Consortium for Teaching Asia.