South Korean first lady Kim Hye-kyung shares Korean culture while in NYC

While South Korean President Lee Jae Myung attended the 80th U.N. General Assembly, first lady Kim Hye-kyung engaged in cultural exchange in New York City's Koreatown on Wednesday.

South Korea's first lady visited a Korean school in Manhattan, where 18 young students joined her in preparing gimbap, which is a traditional Korean dish made with rice, vegetables, a flat bread roll called bap and optional meat or seafood, The Korea Times reported.

The dish is rolled in dried seaweed, called gim, and cut into slices for eating.

Her visit to the school served the dual purpose of encouraging young Koreans who live abroad to reconnect with their Korean heritage, while also introducing them to traditional Korean foods

"I hope today's experience was not just about making gimbap, but also about learning and appreciating the culture of Korean food," Kim said, as reported by The Korea Times.

She also participated in a "K-Food roundtable" held at the Korean Cultural Center in New York, where she discussed the growing global popularity of Korean foods with Korean chefs and K-food experts, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.

Source : https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/09/25/south-korea-first-lady/1871758840110/#:~:text=%22I%20came%20to,concluded%20on%20Thursday.

Comprehension

Where did President Lee Jae Myung attend the 80th U.N. General Assembly?
What activity did First Lady Kim Hye-kyung join in New York City?
How many students prepared kimbap with her?
What are the main ingredients of gimbap?
What is gim, and how is it used in gimbap?
What was the purpose of her visit to the Korean school in Manhattan?
What message did Kim Hye-kyung hope the students would take from the experience?
What was the focus of the “K-Food roundtable” she attended?

Discussion

Have you ever tried kimbap or another Korean dish? How was it?
Why do you think food is an important part of cultural exchange?
Do you think learning about traditional food helps young people feel more connected to their culture? Why or why not?
How do you feel when you share your country’s food with friends from other cultures?
Why do you think Korean food has become popular worldwide?
What traditional food from your culture would you introduce to someone from another country?
Do you think schools should teach cultural cooking classes? Why or why not?
How does food bring people together in families or communities?
Why is it important for people living abroad to stay connected with their heritage?
Do you think government leaders and first ladies should participate in cultural events? Why?

Vocabulary

Cultural exchange – sharing ideas, traditions, or experiences between cultures.
Heritage – traditions, history, and culture passed down from earlier generations.
Optional – not required; something you can choose to add or not.
Encourage – to support or give someone confidence to do something.
Appreciate – to recognize the value or importance of something.
Roundtable – a meeting for open discussion.
Global popularity – being well-known and liked around the world.
Traditional – something that comes from long-time customs or practices.