South Korea: Yangpyeon English Village opens its doors

April 14, 2008, Seoul, South Korea 

The inauguration ceremony of the Gyeonggi English Yangpyeon Village was held on April 14, 2008.   Many governmental dignitaries were present together with many Seventh-day Adventist church leaders.  Representing NSD for this occasion were, Elder Clyde Iverson, Treasurer, Elder Glenn Mitchell, Associate Secretary, Elder Sung Guimo, Associate Treasurer and other departmental directors. 

This English Village costing US$67.6 million is the third project of the Gyeonggi Province to enhance the English speaking ability of Koreans so they can communicate globally.  Fully funded by the Korean government, this is the first time that an “English village” project has been entrusted to a civilian group for its entire operations.  The Seventh-day Adventist Language Institute (SDALI) was chosen among many players by the Gyeonggi Province and Yangpyeon County to head this project for the next 2 years.  SDALI has made its mark as an outstanding provider of English language training and is well-known for its curricula, programs and vast human resource network.

At the inauguration and handing-over ceremony of the 55 buildings built on 24 acres of land to the SDALI, Governor Moon Soo Kim, in his opening address stated the vision of the government in developing English-speaking global leaders through the establishment of these English villages and challenged the KUC and SDALI leadership to assist in the development of such leaders.  Elder Myung Kwan Hong, president of KUC and board chairman of the SDALI, accepted the challenge and stated succinctly that vision is not enough, but success can only be brought about by the software that exists delivered by passionate teachers who love to teach and a God who has empowered these teachers with that enthusiasm to serve.

The program concluded with the cutting of ribbons and a tree-planting ceremony followed by a tour of the new premises.  Sahmyook University provided a short musical concert at the conclusion of this grand celebration.