Promoting intercultural sensitivity through New Korean Cinema films

This article examines the effectiveness of New Korean Cinema films in promoting intercultural sensitivity among international and indigenous university students, when studied as course content in an interactive, English-mediated, student-centred learning environment. Building on findings regarding the use of films to improve linguistic and cultural awareness, students with various cultural backgrounds and first languages were exposed to traditional, ethnic and modern aspects of Korean culture in New Korean Cinema films, through engaging in research, giving presentations and performing role-plays. Student perceptions and evidence of positive attitude change were accessed through a qualitative approach, triangulating responses to a course questionnaire (based on Bennett’s Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity), a pre/post-course online survey, and a focus-group interview session. Findings indicated that intercultural sensitivity and awareness were noticeably enhanced by the end of the semester; international students found the films stimulating, authentic and informative, and Korean students reported that awareness and appreciation of their cultural heritage was significantly heightened. It is therefore suggested that New Korean Cinema films offer a valuable means of promoting regional and global intercultural understanding, while presenting opportunities for reflection on the rapidly changing nature of Korean culture.