Looking for local events where you can get to know more people and connect with local resources? Give the Songtan Traditional Market Fusion Events a try!
Join Us at Market Fusion: A Cultural Convergence Event!
We invite you to attend the Songtan Traditional Market event series designed to bring our community together. The Market Fusion: Cultural Convergence Events are set against the vibrant backdrop of a Korean Traditional Market, this series promises to be an unforgettable blend of culture, learning, and fun!
Songtan Market Fusion Event Details
- When: Every Saturday from August 19 – October 28
- Time: 10 am to 12 pm
- Where: Songtan Korean Traditional Market (specific location details to be provided upon registration)
- Duration: 10 classes (Signup for as many as you would like)
Why Attend Market Fusion?
To get started, let’s talk about why you should attend these Songtan Market-sponsored events. There are four reasons that stand out:
- Cultural Immersion: Dive deep into the heart of Korean culture by exploring the traditional market. Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes that have been cherished for generations.
- Language Exchange: Engage in meaningful conversations with both locals and foreigners. Whether you’re a beginner or fluent, this is a golden opportunity to practice and learn Korean, and for our Korean friends to practice English.
- Photography & Videography Skills: Capture the essence of the market with guidance from professional photographers and videographers. Learn the art of storytelling through visuals, and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
- Fusion Cooking Classes: Partner up with local market vendors to whip up delectable fusion comfort foods. Discover the secrets behind blending traditional Korean ingredients with international recipes.
Event Leaders
Now, that you are a little interested. Let’s explore who will lead the Market Fusion Events. Three South of Seoul volunteers will share their expertise and information:
Local and Sustainable Cooking, Chef James Canter
Chef James Canter is passionate about promoting local food sources and sustainability. He believes in making culturally rich foods based on locally sourced ingredients. Chef Canter is excited about sharing easy recipes that use ingredients sourced from Traditional Korean markets.
James Canter, a former Executive chef trained in Tampa Bay, has over two decades of culinary expertise and has since expanded his skills across the U.S. where he gained a deep understanding of global cuisine. He recently moved to South Korea from the United States, where he used to collaborate with local fishermen, farmers, and ranchers to offer sustainable dishes to his patrons across various venues.
Among his accolades are recognitions like “Best Places of Northern California”, 2008’s best new restaurant in Tampa Bay, and awards in various culinary competitions. He’s also had the privilege of cooking for Vice President Dick Cheney and other notable figures. James has received awards like “RGV Iron Chef”, international “Iron Chef” paella, and “King of Paella” from the Culinary Institutes of America, San Antonio. His past projects were listed among the “Top 100 Texas Restaurants” by Texas Monthly Magazine.
In South Korea, Chef Canter has been working with local farms, South of Seoul, and volunteer organizations that support US military personnel such as the MWR. His passion for food and community goes unmatched. You can see Chef Canter presenting a recipe in the YouTube video below:
Photography and Culture, Katie Howell
Ms. Howell focuses on community building, cultural communication, and photography. Her events will focus on tips and tricks for taking ethical photographs in cultural spaces. Learn more about the laws regarding social media photography and the language and skills to navigate these rules. You will even get out into the market to practice the skills with other attendees.
With a deep-rooted passion for community building, Katie has dedicated herself to fostering connections and understanding across diverse groups. As a Volunteer Ambassador for the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF) and Art Camp USA, she functioned as a US representative, bridging the gap between foreign and local members of the community in Pyeongtaek. This included volunteering for the Talk Café initiative, where she led discussions for Koreans to hone their English conversational skills and developed her commitment to cultural exchange.
Additionally, Katie co-founded the South of Seoul Language and Culture Exchange group in 2015 and still manages it today. The group focuses on promoting cross-cultural events across Pyeongtaek. In addition to promoting events planned by others, Katie leads a variety of language exchanges and events throughout the year. Katie was also a founding volunteer with the South of Seoul volunteer organization.
Her love for photography is evident in her captivating captures. Each frame she captures tells a story, reflecting her keen eye for detail and her understanding of the world around her.
Social Media and Videography, Lanae Rivers-Woods
Ms. Rivers-Woods founded South of Seoul in 2015, a volunteer organization that uses technology and social media to help international residents assimilate into life in the South Korean countryside. Her Market Fusion sessions will focus on efficiently using videography to share memories and capture information without taking away from living the experience.
Before moving to South Korea, Ms. Rivers-Woods worked in the fine arts field for a decade she specialized in community organization. She managed galleries, curated shows, and consulted with artists to develop their careers by leveraging technology and social media. In South Korea, she volunteers to use her community organization knowledge to improve information distribution and community communication.
As an early adaptor, Ms. Rivers-Woods has nearly 20 years of experience in social media. She looks forward to sharing her tips for making social video creation easy and sustainable.
Event Schedule:
Now let’s look at the schedule to see what you have time for. When you signup you will choose the Songtan Market Fusion event dates that work for you! We have a total of 10 events and each one will have a different language and skill focus. Events will include both class time and practical application activities in the market or the market kitchen.
Join the Fusion!
Market Fusion is not just an event; it’s a journey. A journey where cultures converge, skills are honed, and friendships are forged. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, this series promises something for everyone.
Spots are limited, and given the unique nature of this event, we expect them to fill up fast. So, don’t wait! Register now and be a part of this cultural extravaganza.
See you at the market!
South of Seoul Strategy and Education Consulting (SOS SEC) in a Korean company that specializes in bridging the gap between Korean culture and other diverse cultures. With a profound understanding of the complexities and nuances of cultural dissonance, SOS SEC is dedicated to facilitating meaningful connections and fostering mutual understanding between individuals and businesses. SOS SEC partners with the South of Seoul Blog to provide Korean businesses the opportunity to present their organizations to the international community in Korea through Sponsored Posts.
All SOS SEC-created content featured on the South of Seoul blog is paid content.
