Kim Yoon-jung(28), an English teacher from Hanyoung Junior High School is in charge of the "Special Morning English Class" for "early bird students" who are eager to learn English. " The number of students is small, but their enthusiasm is highly appreciated," said Kim "after completing eight weeks of my class, I wanted to do something for them. So, I started searching on the internet about English activities for students. Then I finally found Coree." Coree is a group of language volunteers for foreign tourists in Korea. Volunteers who speak English or other languages help the foreigners find out where to stay and what to do in Korea. Recently, Coree launched an event for youths to encourage them to participate in language volunteering work in Insa-dong or Myoung-dong every Saturday.

The nine student volunteers were divided into two groups. Group A asks foreign tourists if there is anything they can help them with and give them a Coree card. A Coree card contains brief information about Korea, important phone numbers and internet sites through which they can get some help. Group B lets foreigners wear a Korean traditional costumes called a Gugoonbok and a Hanbok.
" I was so nervous that I couldn't say a word," said Lee Gang-joon(16) "then our guide whispered to me to ask 'may I help you?' so I said it, but the foreigners answered, 'no thanks!' Oh, what could I do?" At first, scanning the streets looking for foreigners who were in need, the boys seemed flushed and embarrassed. However, they began speaking to more and more foreigners, and their attitudes totally changed. The experience helped change the stereo-types about foreigners.
"I don't know why, but I am just scared of black people," said Go Dae-kyun(16) "Our group found a black man walking along with his friend. We walked up to them, but I couldn't even open my mouth. With my hands shaking, I jotted down his English name in Korean on a Coree card for him. Then I said, "if you how to write your name in Korean, it will be very helpful for you." Then, he was as pleased as a little child. Thanks to the man, I was able to to break my narrow-minded view of black people."

According to the 7th curriculum, junior high school students have to do volunteering work for 15 hours per year. This is their duty at school. "Doesn't it sound weird?" said Go "a mandatory time to volunteer? I don't agree with it. Some organizations feel annoyed when students visit them to help since they think we are there to get social activity participation grades for school. It's true, though." How sad. When the work of the day was almost done, the nine participants were full of confidence and high self-esteem. "Volunteering is great. I felt like representing my country," said Oh Young-woo " I was so tired and cold. However, when thinking about the people who received my help, I am very happy now. I'm rather sorry that event has finished too early because of freezing weather." Asked if they want to do this again, they answered in unison, "Yeah~~~!!!".