Namhae Service Trip Builds Community and Lasting Memories
Written by Katherine Hufstetler, GOES Trip Leader
The Namhae GOES trip had high school students returning to Namhae Island on the southern coast of Korea for another unforgettable service-learning trip, where they spent several days serving local communities, building friendships, and experiencing Korean culture in meaningful ways.
The trip began with students settling into the village of Daraengi Village, where they immediately jumped into service work by helping clean and maintain the grounds of an abandoned schoolhouse that villagers hope to transform into a future community center. Students grew in their knowledge of the culture and history of the village by participating in a guided tour of the village at night and an evening cultural program led by the village mayor, where they learned to play traditional Korean percussion instruments, including the janggu (장구), buk (북), kkwaenggwari (꽹과리), and jing (징).
Throughout the week, students took part in several hands-on projects that supported the local community. Early in the trip, students helped clean and maintain the grounds of an abandoned schoolhouse that villagers hope to transform into a future community center. Back in Daraengi Village, students harvested spinach and assisted in repairing sections of the village’s iconic terraced stone walls. Students also helped beautify local spaces by planting flowers in nearby canola flower fields and picking up trash around the terrace gardens and a local beach.
Many of the trip’s most meaningful moments came through building relationships and connecting with others. Some highlights included a friendly football scrimmage with a local team made up of individuals with disabilities and various health needs, and volunteering at a local kindergarten. Students were inspired by the athletes’ determination, teamwork, and competitive spirit. Partnering once again with a local kindergarten they had visited the previous year, our students developed deeper relationships with students they had met. They helped children create suncatchers and bracelets, planted flowers together, and played games outdoors.
Students also attended worship services at a local church, where they performed the hymn “Come Thou Fount” for the congregation. Several students accompanied the choir with instruments, including saxophone, flute, keyboard, and cajón. Afterward, the church community welcomed students with a traditional home-cooked meal.
That evening, students hosted a talent show for village elders and host families. Performances included singing, dancing, taekwondo demonstrations, traditional Korean instruments, piano duets, and card tricks. The event created moments of laughter, joy, and connection between students and members of the village community.
In addition to physical projects and community engagement, students were encouraged to grow emotionally, mentally, and spiritually throughout the trip. Each evening concluded with small-group reflections focused on themes such as developing “a heart for service,” building genuine community, and learning that loving our neighbor as ourselves means we must be intentional in getting to know who our neighbors truly are.
Students also visited a museum honoring veterans from Namhae who served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. There, after hearing the stories from the museum director, who was a Vietnam War veteran, they learned the importance of preserving and remembering personal stories from history.
At Napory Farm, students experienced a peaceful afternoon centered on rest and reflection through forest walks, hammocks, foot baths, and other activities. Even during meals, students were encouraged to intentionally build new relationships through guided seating arrangements and conversation prompts.
As the trip came to an end, students reflected on the many ways they had grown through service, community, and shared experiences. From repairing stone walls and serving local families to building friendships across generations, the week provided opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones, care for others, and create memories that will last well beyond the journey home.
Some quotes from students regarding the trip:
“I really enjoyed getting away from the fast-paced environment in Seoul and being able to slow down and reconnect with nature.”
“I would recommend this trip to other students because it was very touching and transformative. The GOES trip taught me to think about how others' situations are, and deeper into how different perspectives can be like. Some examples were at the War Memorial Museum and playing football with the Namhae Disability Team.”
“This trip changed me because of the ways this trip taught me how to serve others including looking into other's interests in sacrifice of your time and energy.”
“The most meaningful experience was when we were at the beach on the very last day to reflect on our trip. It encouraged me to not take these moments for granted and continue to have a supportive mindset.”
