Hands-On Education: Intentional Learning at Korean Markets for Families with the Intentional Learning Corner

Kortnee Anne
Jun 18, 2024
3 min read

Child holds a "Market Bingo" board beside colorful plants in a market. The bingo sheet features items like fish and plants. Urban setting.

Welcome to the Intentional Learning Corner

Welcome to the newly launched Intentional Learning Corner. Each month, I plan to share my experiences, ideas, advice, and activities to encourage intentional learning into your daily routine. These ideas will be designed to inspire parents of children who have varied interests and are a variety of ages. Intentional learning is for everyone!

bags of red peppers and red pepper powder at a traditional korean market

What Is Intentional Learning? Everyday Moments That Matter

Intentional learning doesn’t require a classroom or expensive tools. It’s about embracing learning opportunities in everyday life, right where you are. Summer is a perfect time for families to explore local Korean markets. The market is a fantastic place to learn so many new things! Transforming a market outing into an educational experience is simpler than you might imagine.

Potatoes in red baskets on a green mat at a market. Korean signs show prices as 5000. A currency note is visible. Bright and busy scene.

Why Korean Markets Are Perfect for Hands-On Family Learning

Exploring local markets as a family is a fun and meaningful way to encourage intentional learning at Korean markets through everyday experiences. From colorful displays of produce to bustling vendor stalls and new cultural experiences, Korean markets offer families an immersive, interactive environment that’s ideal for teaching and learning. Children can engage their senses and their curiosity while bonding with family.

5 Simple Ideas for Intentional Learning at Korean Markets

Here are five easy ways to turn your market visit into an intentional learning opportunity for kids of all ages:

Green chalkboard with Korean text "안녕하세요, 감사합니다" and English "hello, thank you." Chalk pieces and eraser at the bottom.

Practice Korean Language and Culture Through Market Interactions

Teach your child to greet and say thank you to vendors in Korean during interactions.

Hello: 안녕하세요. Pronounced as "ahn-nyeong-hah-se-yo”

Thank you: 감사합니다. Pronounced as “gam-sa-ham-ni-da”

Hands exchanging a 5,000 Korean won bill by a box of carrots in a market setting. Mood is transactional with focus on money exchange.

Make Math Meaningful with Real-World Money Practice

Help your child use Korean Won when making purchases. Younger children often enjoy the simple interaction of handing paper money to the vendor and receiving change, while older children can practice calculating cost and change. Remember to teach your children the local Korean custom of using two hands when handing and receiving items.

Child holds a bingo card at a fish market, pointing at items. Fresh fish on green baskets in the background. Bright, playful mood.

Spark Curiosity with a DIY Market Scavenger Hunt

Engage children in a market scavenger hunt or bingo game that you create or download. You can download one for free by clicking the link in our Instagram bio.

Vegetable market stall with green baskets of zucchini, eggplants, carrots, and melons. Signs with Korean text and scales visible.

Encourage Observation and Communication with Thoughtful Questions

While walking through the market, ask your child questions about what they observe:

What vegetables do you see?
What color is the ______?
What do you see?
Is the market loud or quiet?
Are there a lot of people at the market today? Why do you think that?
Do you see anything that you would like to help me cook at home?
Is that _____ big or small?
Can you find something that is bumpy/soft/hard/smooth?
Can you tell me 3 things about the market today?

Child's arm pointing at a market bingo card on a clipboard, covered partly by green seaweed. The card has images and words like fish and seeds.

Learn About Nutrition Together While Shopping for Fresh Foods

Explore the nutritional aspects of the food you purchase with your child. Making a list beforehand of the nutritional value for foods you normally buy may prove helpful. For example: Broccoli contains fiber, iron, potassium, Vitamin C & K; it is known for being a good immune-boosting food. You can also sort your food into food groups as well!

Keep Learning Going at Home After the Market Trip

I hope you find these ideas helpful and look forward to sharing more intentional learning ideas with you in July.

Until then, keep learning intentionally—wherever you go!

Download a Market Bingo Card here:

Bingo card titled "Market Edition" with images of apples, broccoli, garlic, cucumber, and more foods arranged in a 4x4 grid on a beige background.

Updated August 2025