On Wednesday, Feb. 27, loud music, smells of foreign cuisine and Psy’s famous Gangnam Style video welcomed students to the Taste of Asia event at the Taylorsville Redwood Student Center.
The Asian Awareness Committee sponsored the event focused on Korean culture, and featuring Korean cuisine, multiple dance performances and guest speaker Dr. Jun Kim from the University of Utah.
“I learned a lot, like how important music and dance are to Korean culture,” says SLCC student Andrew Witkamp.
Witkamp didn’t have plans to come to the event but was drawn by the Lion Dance.
The Lion Dance, performed by the Sil Lum Kung Fu Kwoon dance group, was the main attraction. Multiple performers shared a dragon costume and danced throughout the halls of the Student Center leading a procession to the event’s main area.
Students gathered from different parts of the Student Center to witness the spectacle
“There were a lot of people taking pictures,” says Witkamp.
The students who stayed for the entire event were rewarded with a plate of authentic Korean cuisine.
“There were a lot of flavors that you’re not used to,” says Witkamp.
Witkamp particularly liked the dish that resembled sweet potatoes. It was the first time he had tried Korean food, and he felt it was a good opportunity to branch out.
Dr. Jun Kim spoke on “The Land of Morning Calm to Gangnam Style.” It was a 30-minute dialogue focused on the history and culture of Korea. Students learned about the country from the perspective of a native Korean.
“I’m glad I went,” says Witkamp, who looks forward to next year’s Taste of Asia event.
