Cowan Elementary School teacher Emily Ezell was one of only 28 teachers selected as a Discover Korea teacher fellow through the World History Digital Education Foundation.

Ezell spent time from June 26 through July 6 learning and traveling in South Korea. The highlight of the fellowship was a visit to the Republic of Korea, which focused on researching Korean history and culture. 

Fellows go through a competitive selection process. After their acceptance, they were required to complete tasks related to live webinars on various topics about Korea.

As part of the fellowship, teachers must also create a unique lesson plan connected to their trip to Korea and conduct presentations about their experiences there to their colleagues and local community. 

Ezell said the trip emphasized a deeper understanding of the rich history of the Korean peninsula, including its simultaneous economic growth and democratization.

During the trip, she explored the history and culture of Korea through key historical sites, museums and conversations with various scholars.

“I have learned so much about the Korean War through my work with the Korean War Legacy Foundation, and to be able to go there and see firsthand the places our soldiers fought and died was a very humbling experience and such a privilege,” Ezell said. “To witness firsthand the Korean phenomenon, which is how they came from utter destruction during the war to the 10th strongest economy in the world, reiterates the importance of freedom and democracy and the difference it makes for a country.” 

According to the founder of the World History Digital Education Foundation, Dr. Jongwoo Han, “It is always an honor to share the culture and history of Korea with teachers so that they can share it with their students.” 

Among the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Demilitarization Zone to see the 60-year-old border that has divided the Korean people.

Ezell had the prestigious honor to learn more about the reunification of soldiers whose bodies are being discovered at the site. Fellows were given an in-depth tour of the Joint Security Area.

In learning more about the legacy of the Korean War, Ezell visited sites related to the Heungnam Evacuation and had the chance to talk to survivors of the historic rescue.

Also known as the “Miracle of Christmas,” this unprecedented, historic evacuation helped thousands of UN forces and 14,000 North Korean refugees. 

Ezell also had the opportunity to visit other sites, supplemented with scholarships, during her time in the Republic of Korea.

The itinerary included exploring the Gyeongbok Palace used during the Joseon dynasty, a tour of the POSCO Gwangyang steel plant, a visit to the Hanwha Ocean, an exclusive tour of a Samsung semiconductor-manufacturing facility in Pyeongtaek and a visit to the National Museum.  During the trip, Ezell interacted with Korean scholars and teachers through lectures and discussions. 

The trip also included unique overnight stays. Ezell spent the night in the Baekyang Temple. At the temple, teachers learned about a monastic life, practiced meditation and were able to explore more about the Buddhist lifestyle.

After this unique stay, Ezell spent several nights in the port city of Busan before traveling back to the capital of Seoul.

The trip was sponsored through the generous support of the Korea Foundation and POSCO. In addition to this annual trip, the World History Digital Education Foundation has worked to create innovative digital resources in world history to support educators in teaching about Korea.