Korean American Youth Discover Their Roots at Momo Camp Held at SMWU, a Royal-Founded University
- Views 50
- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2026-07-08
Korean American youth raised in the United States traced their heritage this summer at a university founded by the royal family 120 years ago.
Sookmyung Women's University co-hosted the "Momo Camp with the Royal Family," organized jointly with the Royal Foundation of Korea, an organization representing descendants of the Korean royal family, from June 21 to early July. Previously held for Korean American children and youth at other venues, the camp took place on SMWU's campus for the first time this year to mark the university's 120th anniversary.
The two-week program drew 86 Korean American youth and about 100 parents. Participants experienced royal court culture through activities such as painting royal portraits, traditional Korean archery, and court cuisine and etiquette, alongside programs in Korean language, history, economics education and K-pop dance. Field trips rounded out the experience, including visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korea and CJ Studios, as well as a baseball game.
A director with a background in education from the United States led student life management along with 24 staff members, while faculty capable of teaching entirely in English ensured the quality of instruction.
At the closing ceremony on July 3, Lee Jun, great-great-grandson of Emperor Gojong and Queen Sunheon, urged participants to "never forget your Korean roots in your hearts, and to grow into proud leaders on the global stage, carrying that dignity and pride with you."
Sookmyung Women's University President Moon Si-yeon expressed gratitude to the students and parents who traveled from around the world to attend the university, founded by the Korean Empire's royal family in 1906. "We will continue to firmly establish and further develop Sookmyung's 'Royal Identity' as a royal-founded institution," Moon said.
Two students were honored for outstanding achievement during the camp. Kim Ji-hee received the Emperor Gojong's Award, given to a student who demonstrated exceptional service and leadership, while Katelyn Yoo received the Queen Sunheon's Award, recognizing a student who exemplified female leadership.
Lee Young-ju, secretary-general of the Royal Foundation of Korea, noted that the roughly five million overseas Koreans holding foreign citizenship have largely been left out of government-led identity education programs. "Instilling a sense of Korean heritage in the next generation of overseas Koreans is a responsibility the Korean royal family must uphold in the 21st century," Lee said.
Sookmyung and the foundation signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding in March to establish the university's identity as a royal-founded institution. Since then, the two organizations have pursued a range of cultural collaborations, including the special exhibition "120th Anniversary of Sookmyung's Founding: Discussing the Future of the Korean Empire," a concert, and a special performance by the National Theater of Korea's Sunheon Dance Troupe. The partners plan to continue developing joint programs offering court culture experiences for participants of all ages and backgrounds.
