Sotdae
About Sotdae Magazine
The Sotdae magazine's first publication was in 2012 as a printed magazine. In 2020, the magazine was converted to an online site format to make the works more accessible and adaptable with COVID-19 restrictions. We continue to use the online site format in 2021 in hopes of reaching more online readers in the community.
​
The Sotdae magazine is created by students who are passionate about learning. Studio 7/8 believes that Sotdae is a name that represents our work because the annual magazine shares each member's creative vision and voice with the people around the world.
Sotdae
​
A sotdae is a tall wooden pole with a curved bird on top, built for the purpose of folk belief in Korea. The bird, usually a duck or a goose, symbolizes a messenger between Heaven and Earth. Traditionally people used to place a sotdae or a group of these objects at the entrance of a village by wishing to ward evil spirits off from the inside of he village, while expressing a collective desire for good luck and fortune. People also used to set up a sotdae to commemorate major events and placed in their yards, so that the whole community could know who was celebrating and why.
​
The mentor's message
​
It's been fourteen years since I started working with the club members. During that time, each member published a book summarizing the topics they had researched, discussed, or created in a variety of academic subjects. I really appreciate the dedication, hard work, and passion that they have shown during this learning process and the proof is in all the great things they have accomplished so far. I believe all their efforts will serve as the strongest foundation for building a solid path for their future, and inspire great values throughout their life's journey.
​
As many of them are now in high schools and colleges, and showing more promise each time we meet, I proposed a greater challenge. As I expected, they relished the opportunity and were excited to take on the work involved. Here, in this publication names Sotdae, is the sum of their efforts, and ther response to my challenge. As for the club's annual magazine, the members will plan the monthly activities and subjects for discussion and then produce it over the next year. Of course, it may be challenging, but I am confident that everyone will discover new perspectives, expereince excitement and joy, and establish even stronger leadership abilities through these challenges.
​
Congratulations to all of you for your outstanding achievements, and best of luck to everyone for finding their direction and all the things they are looking for! I am sure that your Sotdae will become a great tool for building new skill sets, experiencing new perspectives, and helping yousee the bigger picture. Face the challenges head on and try your best. Never give up, and you will win it. The future of the world is in your hands...
​
Love you guys!
​
Hyung Park
​