Volunteering at
2026 SF Korean Nuri Summer Camp

On July 10, four Hansamo students and a few of our parents drove down to San Francisco to volunteer at the SF Korean Nuri Summer Camp. The camp is a Korean language immersion program focused on teaching young kids about Korean language and culture.

There were nine lower elementary-aged students at the camp. Some had one or both parents of Korean descent, while others were non-Korean, but every single one of them was incredibly curious and attentive. Seeing their excited, focused faces made us feel so grateful to be there. For us Hansamo students, this volunteering opportunity was deeply meaningful. It reminded us of our own childhoods, and we joined in hopes of helping these younger kids build a healthy connection to their identity and heritage.

During the session, we introduced the traditional Pungmulnori instruments: the buk (drum), janggu (hourglass drum), jing (gong), kkwaenggwari (small gong), and taepyeongso (wind instrument). We explained the history behind Pungmulnori, how it started in traditional farming communities, and what each instrument symbolizes in nature. Letting the kids hear the sounds and try the instruments themselves felt like a bridge connecting all of us to Korea's ancient past.

After the instrument workshop, we did a craft session where we made sogo (small hand drums) using paper plates and wooden chopsticks. The kids colored them in with traditional Korean patterns. Seeing them dive into the craft and genuinely enjoy Korean culture was the best part of the day.

Even though we spent way more time driving back and forth in traffic than we actually spent volunteering, the trip was 100% worth it. We left San Francisco feeling like we received a much bigger gift than whatever we gave.