Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of International Week stories about ethnic clubs to highlight the diversity of Niles West.

Students from many different backgrounds come together at Korean Club to learn more about the culture, as well as the language. From 3:30 to 5:00 pm, students in the club learn the Korean traditional dance, the modern dance, and the traditional drums. Once the clock reachs 5:00, the students begin practicing the Korean language.

When it comes to International Week here at Niles West, Korean club is very involved. Recently, students participating in Korean Club chose what they wanted to learn and perform for international week, whether it be a dance or the drums.

Sponsor Gee Sook Baik spoke on what Korean club is doing to participate in International Week.

“For International Week, we do the Korean hallway decorations, the Korean feast where we will serve traditional food, and then for the International Festival we are going to perform.”

According to students directly involved in the club, students of many different cultures and ethnicities are welcomed to join the club because the purpose of Korean club is to teach others more about the Korean culture.

“It is a really fun club because it is not just for Koreans. Any ethnicity can join, and you can basically get something out of it depending on what you want to take from the culture,” senior Julius Riconalla said.

Students who participate in Korean Club welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about the culture.  Sophomore Kaitlin Almalbis shared her thoughts on why other students should look into joining the club.

“It’s a new experience, so go all in because there is really no harm in trying something new,” Almalbis said.

Korean Club meets Tuesdays right after school in room 2320 from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.