Cultural Immersion in Minority Community: Yanji Study Trip

On October 17, AP Chinese students at DAIS went on the research-based field trip to Yanji - a city in the neighboring Jilin Province. The goal of this study trip was to immerse our students in the culture and traditions of the Korean minority community and then create informative posters and research reports upon return. What did the students say about this trip?

Yubin Park, Grade 9: "I think this Yanji trip was very good because it is the first time I took the train with my friends, and had a snack at night, which is very fun! There are also a lot of Korea snacks in Yanji, so I ate a lot and was very happyyyyy!!"

Tiakhao Li, Grade 10: "Yanji is a city with customs and culture, mainly similar to South Korea and North Korea, where the language, architecture and food are very different from the traditional Northeast. Going to Yanji experiences a lot about the local culture, customs, daily life style, as well as the warmth of the people."

Calvin Zhou, Grade 12: "Yanji, located in China's Jilin Province near the border, is a city known for its unique Korean ethnic culture and beautiful natural scenery. The local cuisine is a highlight, especially authentic Korean dishes like cold noodles, bibimbap, and barbecue. Visitors can also immerse themselves in traditional customs and culture. The surrounding landscapes, such as Mao'er Mountain, Changbai Mountain, and Longjing Hot Springs, offer stunning views and relaxing experiences. Yanji is a blend of modern convenience and traditional charm, with friendly locals and a vibrant atmosphere. Overall, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of culture, history, and nature."

Vera Tan, Grade 10: Yanji has a very similar culture to Korea with their food such as tteokbokki and kimchi and their traditional clothing being hanboks. The city also incorporates Chinese culture with many markets selling rice wine and some locals being able to speak both Chinese and Korean."