Competing in Korean Language, History, Culture, and Immigration-Themed Questions
“What was the name of the Korean pilot training school established by the Korean Provisional Government and the Korean American community during the Japanese colonial era?” (Answer: Willows Aviation School)
“What term describes animals as companions rather than mere objects for human amusement?” (Answer: Companion Animal)
“What was the name of the immigrant ship that transported Korean immigrants to Hawaii and operated as a regular passenger vessel between San Francisco and Hong Kong?” (Answer: SS Gaelic)
These were among the questions posed to students at the ‘Golden Bell Challenge,’ an annual competition hosted by the Korean Schools of Northern California(KSNC, Mi Jeon Lee). The event, covering topics such as the Korean language, history, culture, and immigration history, tested students’ knowledge and comprehension. While the questions may have seemed challenging at first glance, students confidently wrote down the correct answers without hesitation.
A total of 120 questions were prepared for the competition, and students engaged in an intense intellectual battle for over an hour. Nearly 100 questions were answered before the winners for the gold, silver, and bronze awards were determined. Now in its second year, the Golden Bell Challenge featured 12 selected students from schools affiliated with the KSNC. The event was held at New Life Church in Fremont, where parents gathered to cheer on their children. As the winners were announced, the audience erupted in applause to celebrate the students’ achievements.
This year’s competition featured questions on the Korean language, history, and culture, as well as a newly added section on Korean American immigration history. The immigration-related questions were sourced from a book on Korean American history published last year by the Korean Liberation Association Northwest Chapter. Adding to the significance of the event, this year’s competition received special support from Jane Yoon(윤행자), President of the Heritage of Korean Independence, Northwest USA, who provided scholarships through the ‘Jane HJ Yoon Foundation’ for outstanding students.
The competition was moderated by Son Min-ho, President of NAKS, and included a revival round, as well as the selection of gold, silver, bronze, and honorary mention winners. The event was filled with excitement and tension as students showcased their knowledge. However, in an unexpected twist, the final gold medal decision was determined not by incorrect answers but by an element of chance—a “blank” selection included for entertainment purposes—leading to a bittersweet conclusion.
The prestigious gold medal was awarded to Sun-woo Choi (Tri-Valley Korean School), who correctly answered all the questions. Da-eun Lee (New Life Korean School) also answered every question correctly but secured the silver medal. The bronze medal went to Hye-na Lee (New Life Korean School), while the honorary mention award was given to Ha-yoon Noh(Tri-Valley Korean School), who advanced through the revival round to place fourth.
After the competition, President Mi-jeon Lee presented the winners with certificates and scholarships sponsored by the Jane Yoon Foundation. The scholarship awards were as follows: $500 for gold, $300 for silver, and $100 each for bronze and honorary mention winners. Before the competition, President Lee encouraged the participants by saying, “I hope today’s participants will showcase the skills they have honed through hard work.” She also expressed her gratitude to President Jane Yoon and the Jane Yoon Foundation for their generous scholarship support.
In her congratulatory speech, President Jane Yoon remarked, “This year marks the 122nd anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States. The growth and development of the Korean American community here have been made possible through the efforts and sacrifices of our immigrant ancestors. This is why learning Korean American history is essential.” She further emphasized, “The founding philosophy of the Korean nation, Dangun Joseon, is based on the principle of ‘Hongik Ingan(홍익인간)’—to benefit all humankind. I hope that you all take pride in your Korean heritage, study diligently, and grow into individuals who contribute to society.”
Korean Education Center in San Francisco Director Hye-jung Huh also attended the event to encourage the students. Reflecting on her own experience participating in the Golden Bell Challenge during high school, she shared, “The knowledge you have gained through studying Korean language, culture, history, and immigration history will shape your identity and become a great asset in the future. I hope today’s event becomes a cherished memory for all of you as you grow into the next generation of leaders.”
“What term describes animals as companions rather than mere objects for human amusement?” (Answer: Companion Animal)
“What was the name of the immigrant ship that transported Korean immigrants to Hawaii and operated as a regular passenger vessel between San Francisco and Hong Kong?” (Answer: SS Gaelic)
These were among the questions posed to students at the ‘Golden Bell Challenge,’ an annual competition hosted by the Korean Schools of Northern California(KSNC, Mi Jeon Lee). The event, covering topics such as the Korean language, history, culture, and immigration history, tested students’ knowledge and comprehension. While the questions may have seemed challenging at first glance, students confidently wrote down the correct answers without hesitation.
A total of 120 questions were prepared for the competition, and students engaged in an intense intellectual battle for over an hour. Nearly 100 questions were answered before the winners for the gold, silver, and bronze awards were determined. Now in its second year, the Golden Bell Challenge featured 12 selected students from schools affiliated with the KSNC. The event was held at New Life Church in Fremont, where parents gathered to cheer on their children. As the winners were announced, the audience erupted in applause to celebrate the students’ achievements.
This year’s competition featured questions on the Korean language, history, and culture, as well as a newly added section on Korean American immigration history. The immigration-related questions were sourced from a book on Korean American history published last year by the Korean Liberation Association Northwest Chapter. Adding to the significance of the event, this year’s competition received special support from Jane Yoon(윤행자), President of the Heritage of Korean Independence, Northwest USA, who provided scholarships through the ‘Jane HJ Yoon Foundation’ for outstanding students.
The competition was moderated by Son Min-ho, President of NAKS, and included a revival round, as well as the selection of gold, silver, bronze, and honorary mention winners. The event was filled with excitement and tension as students showcased their knowledge. However, in an unexpected twist, the final gold medal decision was determined not by incorrect answers but by an element of chance—a “blank” selection included for entertainment purposes—leading to a bittersweet conclusion.
The prestigious gold medal was awarded to Sun-woo Choi (Tri-Valley Korean School), who correctly answered all the questions. Da-eun Lee (New Life Korean School) also answered every question correctly but secured the silver medal. The bronze medal went to Hye-na Lee (New Life Korean School), while the honorary mention award was given to Ha-yoon Noh(Tri-Valley Korean School), who advanced through the revival round to place fourth.
After the competition, President Mi-jeon Lee presented the winners with certificates and scholarships sponsored by the Jane Yoon Foundation. The scholarship awards were as follows: $500 for gold, $300 for silver, and $100 each for bronze and honorary mention winners. Before the competition, President Lee encouraged the participants by saying, “I hope today’s participants will showcase the skills they have honed through hard work.” She also expressed her gratitude to President Jane Yoon and the Jane Yoon Foundation for their generous scholarship support.
In her congratulatory speech, President Jane Yoon remarked, “This year marks the 122nd anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States. The growth and development of the Korean American community here have been made possible through the efforts and sacrifices of our immigrant ancestors. This is why learning Korean American history is essential.” She further emphasized, “The founding philosophy of the Korean nation, Dangun Joseon, is based on the principle of ‘Hongik Ingan(홍익인간)’—to benefit all humankind. I hope that you all take pride in your Korean heritage, study diligently, and grow into individuals who contribute to society.”
Korean Education Center in San Francisco Director Hye-jung Huh also attended the event to encourage the students. Reflecting on her own experience participating in the Golden Bell Challenge during high school, she shared, “The knowledge you have gained through studying Korean language, culture, history, and immigration history will shape your identity and become a great asset in the future. I hope today’s event becomes a cherished memory for all of you as you grow into the next generation of leaders.”
