A camp participant with the Keukdong University Global Leadership Development Program wears a firefighters' uniform during an on-site field trip in Yongsan, as a part of experiencing a firefighters' daily life, Feb. 1. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jung J...
YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea --Korean elementary school children visited U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan as a part of Global Leadership Development Program camp organized by Geukdong University, Feb. 1.
During the visit, camp participants visited the fire station, AFN Yongsan, and Yongsan Bowling Center.
Geukdong University has been running GLDP since 2006, and the camp includes the Good Neighbor Program, which takes the camp participants into U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan. The GNP contributes to bettering the Republic of Korea and United States of America alliance.
"At first, it was uncomfortable to be in a place crowded with foreigners," said Nayoung Ko, who has participated in the camp twice. "But as I went through the post, the hospitality that Service members showed made me feel that U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan is truly our friend.
In addition, the Good Neighbor Program motivates Service members by letting them know once again that their service is worthwhile.
Hosting a visit from children especially stimulates KATUSA Soldiers to feel that they are playing a crucial role in ROK-US Alliance.
"Kids visiting Yongsan definitely motivates me," said Sgt. Yonghwa Kwon, a noncommissioned officer of AFN Yongsan. "It gives me an impression that I am helping Yongsan get to have rapport with Korea, and its citizens. Considering this, I think that Good Neighbor Program is more than just a short tour to both kids and Yongsan."
GLDP, held each summer and winter vacation, is well known for its set curriculums that enhance its participants' reading, listening, writing, and speaking abilities.
"We expect the camp's participants to improve their English skill by letting them have chance to talk to foreigners," said Jongjin Yeom, who works at Geukdong University's international branch. "Also, we intend to let them know that the U.S. Army and its Servicemembers are friendly to us. And we are achieving our goals."
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