Gokseong Mong-eo and Simcheong: A Case Study of Convergence Arts Education and Performance for High School Students

This paper aims to explore a case study of cultural arts education in which alternative high school students creatively performed plays using various media based on their interests and capabilities, based on a story about the conservation of the Gokseong ecological environment. This study aimed to capture the value of cultural arts education linked to the local community. The subject of this study was students at an alternative high school in Gokseong, South Jeolla Province, who adapted the story of Simcheong and the Daehwang River and created and performed a variety of performances, including plays, dances, songs, and animations. Approximately 20 students participated in this project-based learning program, which linked three clubs at the school, from May to August 2023. Data collected as part of this case study included photographs, videos, and notes from the activities of the participating students and art instructors. The following are the results of the analysis of various qualitative data. First, the participating students added unique ideas based on their roles in the script “Gokseong Mong-eo and Simcheong,” expressing the story of Simcheong from a high school student perspective through diverse gestures and dialogue, eliciting a positive response from the audience. Second, the participating students demonstrated their ability to perform effectively during the recital, despite significant challenges and role shifts in team collaboration through drama, singing, and dancing. Third, the instructors and assistant instructors observed the students' transformation and growth through drama, music, and performance. They also observed that each student's distinct individuality revealed significant potentials through cultural and artistic activities.