The Joy of Learning at Maru Art School
Hello, I am Jeon Min-young from the Dangjin City Citizen Promotion Group.
Learning helps people grow.
When we meet a good teacher, that learning stays in our hearts for a long time.
I am currently participating in the '2026 Our Neighborhood Learning Center 1st Program' operated by the Lifelong Learning Saemaul Division of Dangjin City.
As someone who enjoys various craft activities and loves creating things with my hands, this program was an opportunity I couldn't miss. The course plan was filled with topics I had always wanted to learn, including wood burning, porcelain art, backdrop painting, and seal carving. The moment I saw it, I thought, 'I must take this class!'
I eagerly awaited the application date and felt relieved only after completing my registration as soon as it opened. Given its popularity, I vividly remember the anxious feeling of possibly missing out on the program.
This anticipation and excitement for the class were exceptional even before it started.
Dangjin City operates the Neighborhood Learning Centers so that any citizen can learn and grow nearby. Just looking at the first program this year, there were a variety of courses prepared, including leather crafts, art, candle making, nature play, photography, oil pastels, rattan weaving, tarot, knitting, and violin.
It made me proud as a Dangjin citizen to know that we can receive high-quality cultural and artistic education without having to travel far.
Policies that make learning a part of everyone's daily life, rather than a privilege for a select few, are what true lifelong learning is all about.
When I first saw the name 'Maru Art School,' I naturally assumed it would be a cultural and artistic space. However, upon arriving, I found it was located opposite the Dangjin City Hall, at a place called 'Maru & Gimbap,' a self-service café.
For a moment, I wondered if I had come to the wrong place. But seeing the preparations for the class made me breathe a sigh of relief.
Then came the real surprise. As soon as I entered, I saw that they had prepared a roll of gimbap for each student!
My immediate thought was, 'Wow... what great consideration!' After a long day at work, many students don’t even have time for a proper dinner.
I had also come thinking, 'I’ll grab something to eat after class,' but I felt warmly welcomed even before the lesson began.
This small gesture completely changed my first impression of the class. 'Ah, this place is not just about learning art; it’s a space that prioritizes people.'
In that moment, I began to understand why Maru Art School is loved by so many.
The journey of learning starts not from lectures but from warm consideration for people.
The reason this class was even more special was because of the teacher. The instructor leading Maru Art School is an expert in cultural and artistic education, representing the Chungnam region of the Korean Cultural and Arts Education Association and has experience running the Dream Dock Art School, providing art education to many citizens and children.
However, what moved me more than the impressive resume was the teacher's approach to education. I realized that a good teacher is not just someone who knows a lot but someone who meets students at their level.
Furthermore, I was touched once again! Maru Art School also runs a self-service café, and they even prepared a cup of coffee for each student.
Initially, I thought, 'Since it’s a self-service café, we must buy our own drinks.' But the teacher personally made the coffee and encouraged us to enjoy it.
In my mind, I exclaimed, 'Is this heaven?' For students arriving tired after work, a roll of gimbap and a cup of coffee were thoughtful gestures to help us focus on learning.
In fact, a good class is not just about the content of the lecture. It’s more important how thoughtfully we consider those coming to learn.
From beginning to end, Maru Art School was a continuous source of inspiration.
Despite being called a 'self-service café,' this place was filled with warmth and human connection.
In that cup of coffee, I felt messages like, 'You’ve worked hard today,' and 'Enjoy learning comfortably.'
Learning is about gaining knowledge, but I realized once again that it’s also a time for healing through such small considerations.
Maru Art School is not just a space for teaching art; it is a space that first thinks of people.
Wood burning, which I thought was merely burning wood to create art, turned out to be an art form that engraves feelings onto the wood.
For those who are holding a wood-burning tool for the first time, the teacher demonstrated each step to ensure they wouldn’t be afraid and personally visited each student's workspace to discuss their work, focusing first on what they did well.
"It’s okay. You’re doing just fine. Just take your time a little more."
These brief words were filled with the warmth of someone who has met many people in the educational field over a long time.
Art is not about creating answers but about expressing one's own story, and students soon relaxed and began creating their own pieces.
I have experienced many educational settings while conducting various classes and volunteer work in the community.
Thus, I felt even more strongly that a good instructor teaches skills, but an excellent educator fosters personal growth.
The instructor was not just someone who helps complete a project but an educator who helps discover the potential within each person.
Education is not merely about transmitting knowledge; it is about instilling confidence in people.
The instructor's warm smile and heartfelt encouragement provided great courage to all students, including myself, who participated in the first class.
Therefore, when the first class ended, my first thought was, 'I can’t wait for the next class.' This is the greatest power a good class can have.
Thank you sincerely. I genuinely hope that the instructor’s warm cultural and artistic education will bring hope and dreams to many more citizens.
I work by writing and sharing information, always giving people moments of happiness. This wood-burning class inspired me once again.
If the time I create is an art that brings happiness, then wood burning is an art that creates memories to cherish for a long time.
Learning is not an end but a new beginning. I want to learn more through the remaining classes and incorporate that knowledge into my work and community activities.
Dangjin City is a vibrant city where culture, arts, and lifelong learning thrive. It creates an environment where citizens can challenge themselves to learn whenever they wish and enriches their lives with good instructors and programs.
The first class at our neighborhood learning center, Maru Art School, was not just about crafts. It was a precious time to meet people, learn art, reflect on ourselves, and discover new possibilities.
I hope such meaningful programs continue, allowing more citizens to enjoy the joy of learning. Thank you sincerely to the Lifelong Learning Saemaul Division of Dangjin City for providing this wonderful time, and to the instructor at Maru Art School for leading the class with warmth.
Learning changes lives, and good teachers illuminate that learning.
In this first class, I learned something more valuable than wood-burning techniques. I learned that education filled with genuine care for people leaves a lasting impression on the heart.
Learning changes an individual's life, and that learning transforms the community.
I hope local small business owners will show great interest and participate in the recruitment for the 2026 Our Neighborhood Learning Center 2nd Program, taking place from July 22 to 24.
I sincerely support that your talents will bring healing, hope, and new learning opportunities to the citizens of Dangjin. I look forward to a lifelong learning city where we learn and grow together.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224345085422
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