Discovering South Korea

Year Level

Prep

Duration

50 minutes

Number of Students

Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Languages - Cross-Cultural Language Learning (Prep Year)

Australian Curriculum (Version 9) - Languages
Content Descriptor: AC9LGF03 - Explore connections between language and culture.
General Capability: Intercultural Understanding
Focus: Exploring cultural practices, traditions, and basic linguistic features of a language community different from their own.

Lesson Overview

This 50-minute lesson introduces prep students to South Korean culture through rich, sensory, play-based, and multimodal experiences designed to explore cultural connections and broaden intercultural understanding. Activities are carefully scaffolded for very young learners, supporting engagement, curiosity, and respect for difference.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

Identify South Korea on a world map and appreciate it as a unique cultural place.
Recognise and participate in common Korean greetings and expressions.
Experience and describe a traditional South Korean cultural activity.
Compare some South Korean customs with their own.
Develop empathy and respect for cultural diversity through play and discussion.

Aligned to AC9LGF03 content description and elaborations such as exploring culture through play-based experiences and noticing cultural customs through multimedia and activities.

Lesson Structure and Timing

Time	Activity	Description
0–5 minutes	Introduction: Locate South Korea	Show a world map (digital or physical), locate Australia and South Korea, briefly discuss where it is. Use simple vocabulary.
5–10 minutes	Cultural Greetings	Teach basic Korean greetings: “안녕하세요” (Annyeonghaseyo – hello), “감사합니다” (Gamsahamnida – thank you). Kids repeat and practise pairwise.
10–20 minutes	Traditional Dress-up and Craft	Children try on simplified hanbok-inspired costume pieces or create paper hanbok crowns. Craft a simple South Korean flag using coloured paper and glue.
20–30 minutes	Storytelling & Movement: The Tiger and Persimmon (호랑이와 곶감)	Read a simplified version of the Korean folk tale using expressive voices and gestures. Students enact parts with teacher guidance. Supports AC9LK4C05_E6 elaboration for storytelling through drama.
30–40 minutes	Food Exploration (Visual/Audio Experience)	Introduce simple visuals of Korean foods like kimchi, rice, and tteokbokki. Play soft background Korean music while describing food items and dining customs, inviting children to share foods they know from other cultures.
40–45 minutes	Comparison Discussion and Reflection	Discuss: “What is the same or different from our lives?” Encourage children to share their thoughts about the story, dress-up, and greetings. Use guiding questions and picture prompts.
45–50 minutes	Closing Activity: Korean Counting Song	Teach a short Korean counting song or rhyme (with support and actions). Sing together as a joyful closing ritual to reinforce language sounds and rhythm.

Teaching Materials

World map with countries labelled
Hanbok costume pieces or crafted versions (paper/fabric)
Coloured paper, glue, scissors for flag craft
Picture book/story script: simplified version of "The Tiger and Persimmon"
Visuals of Korean food and dining customs
Audio player for Korean music and counting song
Flashcards with Korean greetings and expressions

Assessment and Reflection

Observation during greetings and song participation: Teacher notes student engagement, ability to repeat Korean words, and willingness to participate in role-play.
Participation in craft and storytelling activities: Informal assessment of fine motor skills, following instructions and cultural empathy.
Verbal reflection: During group discussion, gauge understanding of cultural similarities/differences through students’ comments.
Teacher notes strengths and areas for further exploration for ongoing cultural and language learning in subsequent lessons.

Differentiation and Inclusion

Provide visual and kinaesthetic supports for all children.
Partner work supports peer modelling.
Use simple repeatable Korean expressions suited for early language learners.
Allow students to engage at their own comfort level in dress-up and storytelling.
Ensure experiences are inclusive, respectful, and affirming of diverse cultural backgrounds in the classroom.

Additional Notes

This lesson brings play-based, multimodal cultural experiences into the curriculum, closely linked to the Australian Curriculum's focus on intercultural understanding from the early years. Through active exploration, storytelling, and sensory engagement, students develop foundational respect and curiosity about different cultures, here specifically South Korea.

The lesson is explicitly designed to align with AC9LMGF03 Explore connections between language and culture, adapted specifically to South Korean culture and prep student developmental levels, while meeting the 50-minute timeframe comfortably.

If you would like, I can also provide a simple take-home sheet for families to extend the cultural experience or bilingual vocabulary cards for classroom display!

Teaching Instructions