Yogyakarta, October 9, 2024 – A proud achievement was made by a team of students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), who won first place in a Korean-language video contest organized by Yeungnam University. The competition featured participants from various countries, showcasing creative works that educated and promoted their respective cultures.
The UGM team, consisting of three students—Alifa Az Zahra, Indicha Yusha Meynandha, and Athaya Calista Aileen Nasywa—presented an engaging video that introduced viewers to the iconic Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta. Using fluent Korean, they explained the history of the temple, the mythology surrounding it, and its captivating architectural beauty. The team also interviewed two Korean tourists visiting the temple, asking for their opinions about Prambanan Temple.
Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the main focus of the video. The UGM team highlighted the importance of preserving historical sites as part of cultural identity and heritage that must be safeguarded. By introducing this temple to an international audience, they contributed to raising awareness of the significance of sustainability in cultural preservation so it can be appreciated by future generations.
Here are some thoughts shared by the UGM team:
- “I think participating in this competition was really fun. Besides having the chance to win a prize, we also got to visit Prambanan Temple with our Korean friends while making the video, so it was very enjoyable.” – Indicha
- “For me, this was a challenging experience because it was my first time joining a Korean-language vlog competition. I was also really surprised that we won first place!” – Alifa
- “Joining this competition was an amazing experience! I learned so much about creativity and how to introduce Indonesian culture to a Korean audience. Winning first place is a great honor and motivation to keep creating.” – Athaya
This competition was not only an opportunity to showcase language skills but also served as a platform to promote Indonesian culture on an international stage. By using the Korean language, the UGM team successfully bridged two distinct cultures, broadening understanding and appreciation of the existing cultural heritage.
With this achievement, UGM demonstrated not only the academic capabilities of its students but also their active role in preserving and promoting Indonesian culture globally. Hopefully, this accomplishment will inspire the younger generation to continue creating and contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage while supporting the achievement of the SDGs, particularly the goal of Sustainable Communities.
(NKS)
