APIS Hawaii Korean Language and Culture Class
Korean Mural Project and Educational Philosophy at APIS
Emily Kim (emily.kim@apishawaii.org)
Over the past three years, students have engaged in a mural collage project as part of their reflection on essential questions, exploring their identity and core life values. This project has also served as a way to deepen their understanding of the educational philosophy of APIS, rooted in the values of Aspiration, Perseverance, Integrity, and Selflessness. The mural, which brought together the efforts and dedication of each student, was not an easy task. It required time and effort, but the students’ commitment to the school’s philosophy made this significant achievement possible.
Additionally, this project was supported by the strong cooperation and unseen efforts of the esteemed school administration and staff, whose love and care for the students played a vital role in making it a reality.
In the first year, the essential question was, “How can we make the world a better place?” The concept of the nine fruits of the Spirit and the lessons from the Good Samaritan helped unite the students. They used these ideas to express values they considered important through individual and creative artwork. In the process, they learned that studying Korean is not just about recognizing characters, but also about engaging with the cultural meanings behind them.
In the second year, the question was, “What values did the people I admire the most embody in their lives?” The resulting artworks were even more sophisticated. Surprisingly, students didn’t look far to find their role models. They chose to honor the values demonstrated by their parents and grandparents—patience, kindness, passion, care, and, above all, love. These qualities, rooted in everyday life, became models of living that students naturally absorbed and expressed through the mural. They also prepared and presented speeches in Korean, gaining the confidence to stand before their role models and express themselves in a new language.
This year, in the third and final phase of the project, students reflected on the theme of breaking out of their shells and connecting with the world. The essential question, “As globally enlightened citizens, how can we contribute to the well-being of our global community?“ allowed students to not only express their thoughts with greater clarity and depth, but also to connect their personal growth to a global context. The question invited students to think critically about their roles in a larger world, especially after acquiring new linguistic and cultural skills.
In particular, this year’s project included a cross-cultural activity with students from Yumkwang High School in Korea. Through videos created in Korean, students from both schools shared their lives, identities, and the unique spaces they inhabit, whether in Hawaii or Seoul, using the Korean language as a bridge. This exchange allowed students to extend their personal boundaries and gain confidence in their abilities as global citizens.
Through this project, students not only developed their understanding of values such as solidarity, unity, global citizenship, confidence, understanding, forgiveness, compassion, and acceptance, but they also demonstrated a strong desire to break free from their own limitations and reach out to the world by learning new languages.
Thus, this Mural Project visually represents the educational value and growth that APIS aims to achieve through Project-Based Learning (PBL), as well as fostering Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Cooperation, Critical Thinking, and Christianity. It stands as a clear example of how the underlying educational philosophy is applied to the students’ learning experiences, allowing them to deeply connect with those values. We hope that this mural, displayed on the exterior wall of Hibiscus Hall Lanai, will serve as a symbolic landmark for the APIS Hawaii campus, representing the spirit of Asia Pacific International School for years to come.
2022-2023: How Can I Make the World a Better Place? In the first year of the Mural Project, K-12 students explored how they could contribute to a better world by focusing on values such as patience, humility, and kindness. Through research, discussions, and creative activities, students visualized these values on a mural displayed at Hibiscus Hall Lanai. The project highlighted the importance of personal change and self-reflection as the foundation for a better society. Each student also delivered a speech in Korean, reflecting their understanding of these values.
2023-2024: What Important Values Should We Live By?
“What values can be learned from the life of the person I most respect?” Building on the first year, K-12 Korean class students explored APIS’s core values like aspiration, perseverance, integrity, and selflessness, drawing inspiration from their role models. They expressed these values through art and linked them to their personal experiences in Korean-language speeches. The mural was expanded with contributions that reflected deeper personal reflections, demonstrating how students internalized and lived these values in their daily lives.
2024-2025: As globally enlightened citizens, how can we contribute to the well-being of our global community? The third year’s project focused on breaking barriers and creating global connections, with Native Korean in Seoul, Yumkwang high school students. K-12 Students explored how learning new languages, particularly Korean, could help them contribute to a global community. Through making videos and reflective discussions, students considered their role in fostering personal and cultural identity, building stronger connections within their communities, and expanding their worldview. By the end of the year, students will have developed a deeper understanding of both Korean culture and their global responsibilities.