Immersive Korean Language Learning: A Virtual Reality Journey Through Culture And Poetry

In a pioneering approach to language learning, students of Korean language courses immersed themselves in the country’s rich cultural heritage through virtual reality technology. This innovative method allowed them to intimately experience and explore traditional Korean customs. Under the guidance of their instructor, Kang, first, second, and third-year students crafted personal poems in the revered Pyeong Sijo style, a cornerstone of classical Korean poetry.

Characterized by its musical origins, expressive tone, and compact elegance, Sijo poetry adheres to a strict structure. Comprising three lines with a specific syllable count, Sijo’s artistry is deeply intertwined with the Korean writing system. The unique nature of this system, where letters combine to form ‘syllable blocks,’ is reflected in the poem’s 44 to 46 syllable count.

For Owen Nichols, a freshman, mastering Korean proved challenging, particularly the character system and grammar. However, as he progressed, the intricacies of the language became more manageable. Beyond poetry, students go through the culture of traditional Korean scholarship, focusing on the seonbi, historic scholars, and the sarangbang, a private study space.

This minimalist setting, with its emphasis on modesty, clarity, and disciplined thinking, was recreated through virtual reality.