K-Pop & Culture: Epic South Korea & Japan Educational Adventure

Each school year, Stanners have the opportunity to travel the world through Ms. Dorothy DeNoto’s Educational Adventures. This year, Ms. DeNoto, along with Mr. Brian Klimas ’98, Ms. Abbey Hipkin, Mr. John Attard ‘06, President Richard Karsten ’81, Mrs. Kathleen Karsten, and 49 Stanners, journeyed to Asia to explore South Korea and Japan!

The trip, titled K-Pop & Culture - Epic South Korea & Japan, ran from Wednesday, April 1st to Sunday, April 12.The first six and a half days were spent in South Korea, where Stanners took a K-Pop dance class, saw Gyeongbokgung Palace, visited the Myeong-dong Cathedral, spent time on Nami Island, toured a local market, and rode a KTX high-speed train! Every member of the group rented hanboks, a traditional piece of Korean clothing that is offered in bright colors. “All of the students were not only willing to wear the hanbok, but excited to do so and embrace Korean culture,” says Ms. DeNoto. In Busan, the group visited Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which was described as “peaceful.” Ms. DeNoto says that “peace and serenity were felt by all,”  regardless of religious affiliation. 

Students then traveled to Japan, where they immersed themselves in Japanese culture. They visited Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo, visiting Mount Fuji National Park and the Bamboo Forest. Some of the activities included a Manga art class, the Forest Adventure Zipline, a Lake Ashi boat cruise, a Geisha performance, karaoke, a ride on a high-speed bullet train, and more! However, the most memorable experience for chaperones and students alike was the visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. “It’s one thing to learn about something in history class,” says Ms. DeNoto, continuing, “but it’s an entirely different thing to experience it in person.” Ms. Hipkin, a history teacher at Molloy, said that her favorite part of the trip was visiting Hiroshima “and learning more about the specific experiences of survivors and victims, as well as seeing artifacts from the explosion.” The visit included a live lecture from a family member of someone that perished in Hiroshima, as well as the opportunity to ring the Peace Bell, advocating for nuclear disarmament and world peace. “Every student rang the bell, and did so with such reverence and respect. It was emotional,” says Ms. DeNoto. Anabella Tarnawa ‘28, a sophomore that attended the trip, says the 12 days were “packed with so many activities,” and that she was able to “live every day to the fullest and experience each country the best way possible.” 

The trip to South Korea and Japan will now be offered once every four years, so that each Stanner has the opportunity to go at least once during their time at Molloy. “The trip was particularly special due to the rich cultural exposure it provided for students,” says Ms. DeNoto. “Teens are into K-Pop, Anime, seeing what people on the other side of the world are doing via social media, and so this trip called to them, especially the ones who have been dreaming of visiting Asia for years.”  President Karsten had nothing but positive things to say about his adventure, saying, “It was very exciting to experience the culture in both Korea and Japan, learning about local customs, food, and the dichotomy of ancient and modern aspects of life in Seoul, Busan, Kyoto, and Tokyo.”  

Both the 2027 and 2028 Educational Adventures are now accepting registrations, with destinations to Morocco, Spain, and Belgium next year, and Greece and Italy the year after. Anabella encourages Stanners to sign up because “it is a wonderful time to have a break from your regular day-to-day and view life through a different perspective.” She continues, “Life in other countries is so different to ours and I believe it is very important to learn about the many cultures every country has to offer.” Take the advice from your fellow Stanner and speak to Ms. DeNoto about the Educational Adventures today!