The Korean Club at Idaho State University is one of the newer clubs on campus and is open to students as well as community members.
The Korean Club was formed last year to give Korean students on campus an opportunity to get to know others from their homeland and to give all students the opportunity to network and learn about Korean culture and language.
“We’re here to introduce Korean culture to ISU students and even to the community who may not know about Korea or Korean Culture, and for people who have an interest,” said President Dana Rollins. “It’s about just being able to share that common interest [with other club members.]
Adviser Daekyung Kim added, “Though small, we have a Korean community in Pocatello.”
Kim also noted the recent explosion in popularity of Korean rapper Psy with his song “Gangnam Style.”
“People [may not know] what the lyrics mean but love the song,” said Kim with a laugh.
The club has been very active in planning their own events as well as participating in ASISU events.
“I believe East Asia in general is [a point of interest] for a lot of people here,” said Kim. “[They] can learn about the people, culture and language [from the club] and we try to provide as many events and activities as we can.”
After having their 2012 kick-off meeting in early September, the Korean Club continued the semester with numerous events and activities.
The club participated in the Student Involvement Fair, held a picnic event featuring Korean music and food, held a movie night and went hiking at Lava Hot Springs.
The club is currently planning a picnic at Ross Park at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, weather permitting, and all who are interested are welcome to attend.
The club also hopes to have an end-of-semester party to celebrate the hard work students put in throughout the fall semester.
This spring, the club hopes to put on a Korean Night that will be done similarly to other cultural nights that have been held by other clubs.
According to Rollins, the club plans to demonstrate Korean traditions and culture including fashion, music, food and more.
Rollins is hoping to incorporate Tae-kwon-do into the Korean Night, as it is native to Korea.
Kim said the club is trying to establish regular events for members to be involved based on what they found worked or did not work last year.
“I think it’s a great way to bring people together in their interest of Korea and their culture,” said Rollins. “It’s been interesting for me because I am a Korean-American, I was raised here.
Prior to the club I did not have much interaction with the Korean culture on campus and so I’ve enjoyed being able to be exposed to that more.”
The club will explore the Korean culture in terms of language, ancient culture and history, food, music and more.
“We are brand new and wide open to not only students but community members,” said Kim. “We want to see the [growth] of the club, it is for anyone.”
More Club Information
President: Dana Rollins
Vice President: Ahra Cho
Adviser: Daekyung (Danny) Kim
Members: Approximately 15 Korean, international, and American students interested in the Korean language and culture.
Officers: Secretary Jaehui Lim, Treasurer Bomina Park
Category: Cultural/Linguistic
Meetings: Monthly, by announcement
Mission: To create or enhance diversity and culture on campus and in the community, specifically to create awareness about Korean people and culture
Contact Info: Email President Dana Rollins at ude.usinull@anadllor, or Adviser Daekyung Kim at ude.usinull@kdmik
