Korean Through Folktales

About the Book Korean Through Folktales consists of four chapters and each centers on a famous Korean folktale. The lessons and values that famous folktales teach are embedded in and permeate various aspects of Korean culture. Using folktales in the curriculum will provide an engaging way to expose students to a slice of the target culture that native Koreans are naturally exposed to at an early age. Through the selected folktales and various activities offered in the book, students can gain cultural knowledge and insights into traditional and cultural values. They will also receive linguistic lessons to reinforce their acquired skills and to apply the learned materials in an integrated approach. Korean Through Folktales is designed to accompany 1 st -year, 2 nd -year, and 3 rd -year Korean courses offered at Portland State University. However, any Korean teacher can use this book to supplement his/her course materials at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. There are four chapters in the book. Each chapter will highlight main themes of a widely known folktale introduced in the chapter, followed by links to several videos to watch in order to get the background of the story. The ensuing section will introduce important elements and symbolism embedded in the story so as to provide insights and to enhance the depth of appreciation. After that, three versions of the folktale are presented for different levels, followed by grammar lessons , exercises, and tasks . Traces of folktales and allusions to them are evident in cultural products that many students these days enjoy, such as dramas, movies, and music. Therefore, knowledge of folktales will help students make cultural connections and enrich their experience of learning the Korean language. About the Author KyungAh Yoon is a senior instructor and the section head for the Korean program in the department of World Languages & Literature at Portland State University, Portland, Oregon. Prior to coming to Portland State University, she taught elementary, intermediate, and advanced Korean language courses at Columbia University for seven years, and instructed professionals as an adjunct at The Korea Society, New York City. Prior to teaching at Columbia, she lectured at The Ohio State University and taught Korean language and culture. She is interested in developing technology-assisted instruction and developing online and mobile learning environments for the Korean language. Ms. Yoon holds an Ed.M. in International Educational Development with a concentration in Language, Literacy, & Technology from Columbia University. She received an M.A. in East Asian Languages & Cultures with a concentration in language pedagogy from The Ohio State University, and earned a B.A. in Asian Studies from Williams College.