Seo Woo-jin, a cultural heritage interpreter (1st year, Mokdong Middle School), is explaining the Geunjeongjeon Hall to foreign tourists.

International Exchange and Culture Promotion Institute (ICI) has operated as a non-profit organization since 2005, aiming to foster citizens’ pride in our cultural heritage and cultivate future global leaders who can bridge Korea and the world. The institute offers a variety of international exchange programs and cultural activities, and its affiliated Youth Cultural Corps. (YCC) gives teenagers opportunities to learn about Korean history and traditions through the unique experience of interpreting cultural heritage sites for foreign visitors. Notably, the ‘Marie Story’ experiential learning program draws attention as it enables young participants to learn and introduce Korean culture themselves—an approach that parents and students alike praise. To learn how these programs impact young people, we interviewed the mother of Seo Woo-jin (currently a 1st-year middle school student at Mokdong Middle School), who joined the Youth Cultural Corps. as an interpreter this April, along with the institute’s director.

Reporter: Thank you for making time for this interview. Could you first share what motivated you and your child to participate in the Marie Story and Youth Cultural Heritage Tour Guide programs, and what the experience has been like?

Mother: At first, I just thought it was an English class. I figured learning English and gaining experience speaking in front of foreigners would be great. But once we started, I realized this is so much more than a language course. I considered sending Woo-jin to an international or overseas school to help him develop a global mindset—his older siblings attended those schools and even universities abroad. But, in truth, while they looked Korean on the outside, I felt their thinking had become completely American.

So, this time, I felt it was important for Woo-jin to maintain his roots as a Korean and truly understand our culture, even as he explores the world. The Marie Story program seemed to perfectly balance these wishes—it wasn’t just another English haKwon(영어 학원). It really offered opportunities for children to explain our history and culture both in their own words and in English.

Reporter: What kinds of changes have you observed in your child through participating in the Marie Story program?

Mother: At first, the change was gradual, but now it’s very clear. Woo-jin used to only be interested in math and science; he had no real interest in history or culture. As he experienced learning about cultural heritage in English and interacting with foreigners, he naturally started to enjoy studying and presenting. He used to be shy, but gradually became more comfortable speaking in front of others, and now finds joy in sharing his own stories about Korean heritage. The pride he feels as an interpreter—he came home once and told me, “Mom, I really did well today!”—makes it all worthwhile.

Reporter: You started the Marie Story program in the 4th grade, and since April this year, Woo-jin has been working as a cultural heritage interpreter. Have you noticed these experiences manifesting in his school life?

Mother: Absolutely. Recently, for an English class assignment, while most classmates chose popular destinations like Jeju Island, Woo-jin decided to present about Andong. He remembered learning about Andong’s Confucian culture and seowon (Confucian academies) through the Marie Story. His teacher praised his presentation, and his friends responded positively, too. Seeing him develop genuine pride in Korean culture made me feel so accomplished as a parent. His interests have broadened significantly, and now he often wants to seek out and visit historic places with his own initiative.

Reporter: What does being a cultural heritage interpreter mean to Woo-jin?

Mother: He was really nervous at first, but after seeing how foreigners appreciated his explanations, he gradually became more confident. When he says “Mom, I really did well today,” I know he’s grown to love and take pride in our country. It’s much more than a résumé builder—it really establishes roots and gives him a strong foundation to stand on as he steps out into the world.

Reporter: From the institute’s perspective, what educational value does the interpreter program offer beyond simple volunteering or career exploration?

Director: We believe that teenagers are not yet at the stage to offer true service to others—they are still at an age to receive support and guidance. That’s why we approach youth volunteering as an educational process—what we call “Service Learning.” We focus on instilling the right volunteer mindset and preparing youths for meaningful, sustainable community service in the future.

Our tour guide training includes not just presentations, but mentoring of peers and juniors, which naturally fosters leadership. Through a rigorous process—including exchange, volunteer spirit, cultural pride, and global citizenship—our goal is for every participant to grow.

Most importantly, it’s about self-driven growth, not just volunteering because someone told you to—it’s about developing a unique personal story.

Reporter: Can you share some memorable experiences or examples from activities like leadership camps and the special guest lecture series?

Director: Each year, we hold two leadership camps around the country, where students not only gain experience as tour guide but also connect genuinely with peers and foreign youths. Our special guest lecture series brings together leaders from diverse fields—governors, current and former cabinet ministers, and leaders from the arts—who give direct advice to our students.

One notable example: A long-time interpreter started with us in middle school, struggled to find a direction, and eventually transferred from a foreign language high school to a specialized school to pursue music. Despite never having learned piano before, he committed himself, dropped out in grade 12 to focus on his craft, and recently received a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music. He’s leaving for the US in August. Stories like his inspire other young people here to dream and persevere.

Every weekend, volunteer interpretation services in English, Chinese, and Korean are offered at Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Palace between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Reporter: Finally, as a parent, what do you feel is the greatest value of participating in the Youth Culture Group?

Mother: This activity instills roots and pride as Koreans, and encourages an open mindset towards the world. It’s not just about boosting a college application—it’s a precious opportunity to build experiences that will provide lasting strength throughout life. I hope even more young people and their parents will join us on this journey.

The Youth Cultural Heritage Tour Guide Program and Marie Story experiential learning by the ICI are truly stages for youth to embrace both history and the world as they create and live their own stories. There is no doubt these experiences are the foundation for Korea’s future global leaders.

Tel. 02-3210-3266 www.mariestory.co.kr e-mail : ici@icworld.or.kr

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