Airmen get a 'Head Start' on Korean culture

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- In an effort to give Airmen here a better understanding of Koreans and their culture, 7th Air Force is sending Team Osan members to Pyeongtaek University, in Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea.

As part of the 8th Army Head Start Program, Airmen attend classes at the university's foreign department that focus on Korean language, culture, politics and history.

"My intent is for the Seventh Air Force folks to have some understanding of the Korean people they are here helping," said Chief Master Sgt. Ray Allen, 7th Air Force command chief master sergeant. "We hope this will stimulate better communication between the Korean and American Air Force personnel who work together, sometimes side by side."

The course starts with an introduction to the Republic of Korea. Through videos and lectures, students are taught some of the differences between American culture, which dates back more than 200 years, and Korean culture, which has developed over thousands of years.

"Learning the customs and culture, I feel I have a much better understanding of Korean people," said Staff Sgt. Todd Weingeroff, 607th Air and Space Communications Squadron. "This will help me in the day-to-day work environment, allowing me to realize that the American way is not the only way of doing business."

During the course, students are also taught the Korean language, Hangeul, in both written and spoken form. The instructors teach some survival Korean phrases such as asking for prices or directions, and asking for help.

"The course taught us some basic language and writing skills," said Master Sgt. Patrick Machado, 7th AF superintendent. "Just being able to recognize some words and letters will help me in getting around in Korea. It really sparked my interest in learning more of the language and I will try to continue in the writing area."

Another part of learning any culture is food. The instructors accompany Head Start students to a local restaurant for a traditional meal. Everyone is served typical dishes like kimchee and drinks like green tea, all while sitting on a pillow on the floor.

On the final day of the course, students are taken on a field trip. The first stop is a large shopping center. Here, the students practice their language skills by buying items with 1,000 Won given to them by the university. Students are encouraged to buy toys or similar items to be donated to local orphanages.

After the shopping, students are then taken to the Gyeonggi Traditional Music Center in Suwon. Music center staff teach the servicemembers a traditional Korean dance and how to play the drums, and then they are the audience of a traditional music and dance performance.

While all this may sound like fun, in the end it helps foster closer ties between servicemembers and their Korean neighbors.

"Just embracing the differences between our cultures and accepting that we are in a different country will help our relationship with the Korean people," said Sergeant Machado. "If we make an effort to learn more about Korean culture and customs, it will go a long way to strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Korea."