(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] Funding For this "Maryland State of Mind Special" is provided by the 13 institutions of the university system of Maryland.

(bright upbeat music) Coming up next, travel around the world to the far east with the Coppin State College choir, as they sing their way across South Korea.

Visit a palace over 500 years old, and then shop till you drop in the consumer's paradise of Seoul.

Join a choir member in our own Korean wedding before sitting down to a hot meal of kimchi and grasshoppers.

Then, relax and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Coppin State College choir.

All coming up on this "Maryland State of Mind Special; Music for the Seoul."

(bright upbeat music) (dramatic music) (gentle music) Welcome to Korea.

A proud country with a turbulent past its very existence is a testimony to its people.

Located between mainland China and the island country of Japan, it is thought to defend itself for centuries.

Many Americans, remember the United States involvement in the Korean conflict as communist forces from the north sought to exert their influence over their neighbors from the south.

The result was a country divided, but molding itself into a modern economic powerhouse, South Korea rebounded and grew to become an Asian success story.

(indistinct chatters) A decade after that war many Koreans immigrated to America.

Like millions before them, they pursued employment, freedom, and the American dream.

Joining the so-called melting pot, they not only met with success, but suffered the indignities of racism and conflict that have plagued other minorities in our nation's past.

While many people may have tasted their kimchi, few know much about their culture, customs, or history.

Deciding to reach out to the local African-American community, Reverend Chun Chong You of Hanover, Maryland had an idea.

- I'd been a minister for a long time in Korea, and then I came to the United States.

I had a chance to visit an African-American church and hear their music, it was quite different than I was used to hearing and I was deeply moved by the experience.

I then started to think that I should introduce this African-American style of music to the Korean people and their churches.

So, I began planning a musical tour.

- Reverend You, then went to Coppin State College and there he became their Korean and African-American liaison.

(phone rings) with president Calvin Burnett.

A plan was made for the Coppin choir to travel to Korea.

- Dr. You, who came to us with the idea of forming a closer relationship with the Korean community within Baltimore.

And looking into that, we decided would be a good idea to consider the possibility of establishing an African-American Korea initiative.

And in that regard, our choir would be our very best group that we could send to Korea because of the music, and they're pretty a wonderful group.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] The 15 hour non-stop flight to the other side of the world is not to be taken lightly.

Enjoying their last few moments with their feet on the ground, the choir prepares for the grueling journey.

Watching movies, reading books, and getting to know their fellow travelers helps pass the time.

(slow music) The city of Seoul is the heart of South Korea with a population of almost 20 million, it's pulse can be felt for miles.

(slow music) Eager audiences throughout the city gather in anticipation as a new beat begins, the sound of a Coppin State College Choir.

* When you're down and in despair * * Don't feel uneasy because he'll be there * * Say, don't you worry * Nor don't you fret * The Lord has never, never failed you yet, * * So hold on * Hold on * He's on his way * Help is on the way * He told me to tell you * Hold on * He's coming soon * Help is on the way * Eh, Hold on * Hold on * He's on his way * Help is on the way * Eh, hold on * Hold on * He's coming soon * Help is on the way * Pray, he'll be there * Hold on * He's coming soon * Help is on the way * Help is on the way y'all * Hold on * He's coming soon * Help is on the way * He'll make (indistinct) * And he'll be right there one more time, so * * Help is on the way * Help is on the way y'all * Help is on the way * Help is on the way y'all * Help is on the way * Help is on the way y'all * Help is on the way * Help is on the way y'all * Help * Come on just say * Help * Come on just say * Help * Come on just say * Help is on the way (audience applauds) - The music, I believe, really reaches the people.

I see their expressions, their expressions are so receptive, so open.

And even though I believe that the language barrier is a problem, I think when you're singing, you pay attention to the more the music, the expression, and the lyrics really don't mean a lot.

(slow gentle music) - Now, the one thing I want to say about this, is that I have you sing (indistinct) that the words... Well, first of all, I was very, very excited about coming because I had told the choir a semester before that when you become very proficient in the choral art, you will begin to get invitations to do things.

Had no idea that we would get an invitation to Korea within two months of my statement.

(slow gentle music) The adage music as a universal language is very true and the beauty of the music, and the phrasing and the expression, is what makes music beautiful.

I wanna go to in that (indistinct) in the morning.

(humming) Everybody sing that pitch, please.

(humming) On our campus, we have a variety of ages of people.

It being a state institution or just any institution has a mix of people, and the college choir is open to anyone who loves to sing.

If you like to sing and like to perform and want to do that, anyone can join.

So, that explains the age mix.

It's very exciting to have these people varying ages because it gives people a chance to learn to work with each other.

Well, one of the things that I know is that contemporary audiences are used to television, and they're used to going to theater, and they're used to being entertained.

And in order for us to be successful performers, we have to give a bit of all of that, and so I also choose people for their sermonship.

(all clapping) * Lord, keeps so busy - The song that I do in the concert, it's a Negro spiritual, "Ain't Got Time To Die."

Lord, I keeps so busy praising my Jesus cause I ain't got time to die.

And when singing these type of Negro spirituals, one must interact with the audience because if you don't interact, then the song is dead, it's boring, and I tend to get the audience involved and the people will see that the Koreans really love an uptempo type of song.

* Lord I keep so busy praising my Jesus * * Keep so busy praising my Jesus * * Keep so busy praising my Jesus * * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause when I'm healing the sick, I'm praising my Jesus * * When I'm healing the sick, I'm praising my Jesus * * When I'm healing the sick, I'm praising my Jesus * * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause it takes all of my time, * * To praise my Jesus * All of my time * To praise my Lord * If I don't praise Him the rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor, glory and honor * * Ain't got time to die * Lord I keep so busy working for the kingdom * * Keep so busy working for the kingdom * * Keep so busy working for the kingdom * * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause when I'm giving my all * * I'm serving my Jesus * When I'm giving my all * I'm serving Jesus * When I'm giving my all * I'm serving my Jesus * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause it takes all of my time * * To praise my Jesus * All of my time to praise the Lord * * If I don't praise Him the rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor, glory and honor * * Ain't got time to die * Lord I keep so busy serving my master * * Keep so busy serving my master * * Keep so busy serving my master * * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause when I'm giving my all * * I'm serving my master * When I'm giving my all * I'm serving my master * When I'm giving my all * I'm serving my master * Ain't got time to die * Cause it takes all of my time * * To praise my Jesus * All of my time to praise my Lord * * If I don't praise Him the rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor, glory and honor * * Ain't got time to die * Now won't you get out of my way * * Let me praise my Jesus * Get out of my way * Let me praise my Lord * If I don't praise Him the rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor, glory and honor * * Ain't got time to die (audience applauding) - [Narrator] After days of concerts, the choir is finally able to take in some sights.

On a beautiful autumn day, the group samples, some history of this ancient land.

Visiting one of Seoul's many historical and Royal locations, Changdeok Palace.

Originally built nearly 600 years ago, many of the structures were burned in times of war.

Rebuilt over the centuries, and the last of Seoul's palaces to actually house a Royal family.

The architecture and design brings to mind a different time and a different world.

Located in back of the palace grounds is the Biwon otherwise known to Westerners as the secret garden.

More than 100 acres in size, the enchanting combination of trees, ponds, and pavilions is an excellent example of Korea's traditional naturalistic landscape design, and a welcome respite from the crowded city streets.

- The secret garden was what we had seen in a history book at school.

But then when you actually see it, and you kinda wish that you could have been part of it.

- The secret garden is vast.

There's a story everywhere you go.

So, you really get to see exactly what royalty actually live like.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] One of the biggest culture shocks for travelers from the States is the Korean food.

While most Americans have tried Chinese takeout back home, the spicy cabbage, kimchi and the self prepared bibimbap, require a somewhat adventurous palette, and the variety of entrees sampled by the group receives many comments.

- Korean food takes a little getting used to, but it is good.

It's not something that I would eat all the time, but it's something that I can get used to.

It is very tasteful.

- One of my advantages and being with this group is that I've lived in the Orient specifically in Hokkaido Japan, and, so it's been very pleasant to me to eat the food and taste different taste than I would normally be eating at home.

- The food I absolutely love.

And so having the experience in eating new kinds of foods has been great for me.

- I did like the bulgogi and I like rice, and that's about it.

- [Narrator] While dishes like bulgogi or fire beef were enjoyed, the grasshoppers did not always go down easily.

- [Male Choir] Is it good?

- [Female Choir] What is it?

- [Male Choir] Was is it good?

- [Female Choir] What is it?

- [Narrator] And after dinner, it was time to return to the stage.

(bright piano music) * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Unto God's a mighty son * Hallelujah unto Gods almighty son * * Praise the lord you bright angelic choirs * * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * Praise the lord you bright angelic choirs * * In holy songs of joy * Praise the lord you bright angelic choirs * * Praise the Lord in holy songs * * In holy songs of Joy * Man proclaim his grace and glory hallelujah * * Man proclaim his grace and glory hallelujah * * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Hallelujah unto God's almighty son * * Praise * The Lord in holy songs of joy * * Praise * The Lord in songs of joy * Praise * The Lord in holy songs of joy * * Man proclaim his grace and glory, hallelujah, * * Man proclaim his grace and glory, hallelujah * * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Unto God's almighty son * Unto God's almighty son hallelujah * * Hallelujah unto God's almighty son * * Praise the Lord * Praise the Lord * Praise the Lord * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * Praise the Lord * Praise the Lord * Praise the Lord * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * Praise the Lord in holy songs * * In holy songs * In holy songs of joy * Praise the Lord * Praise the Lord * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy (audience applauds) - [Narrator] The Coppin choir also knows how to make friends in high places.

Today, they made their way to the Korean Congress for a breakfast with respected Congressman Kim Young Gin.

(indistinct chatters) A proponent of bridging the cultural divide, Congressman Kim gives them a tour of the Capital building and then joins them in song.

* We shall overcome * We shall overcome * Someday - We do not approach this from the standpoint of a conflict between the Korean community and African-American community.

Isolated incidents within Baltimore city, within the metropolitan area, that it may be involved in African-American and the Korea that cannot be used to spread to the entire relationship, those are isolated incidents.

Our purpose is to strengthen the relationship as well as to give the Korean people a little bit understanding of the African-American here in Korea.

There is a connection between the African-American community and the Korean people based upon mutual suffering and suppression.

I have talked with the members of the Korean Congress and other people, they brought that subject without me even bringing it up saying that the Korean people and the African-American people have this connection because out of that, they both have suffered greatly so that they understand what it means to treat people fairly and how important it is to be sensitive to the way people are treated.

* Someday * Oh, deep in my heart * I do believe * We shall overcome someday (applauding) (bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] Coming up next, hop on the bus and tour more of South Korea with a Coppin State College choir, as they sing, shop, and get married.

All this and more in part two of this "Maryland State of Mind Special; Music for the Seoul."

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] The Coppin State College choir continues their hectic pace touring around Seoul and other cities in South Korea.

The audiences grow as does their interest in meeting these strangers from a strange land.

- They received us very well.

Especially the kids make you feel like you're a rock star off course, want the autographs and just come running up to you, they're just so friendly.

(camera shutter clicking) - The people here are very cordial.

They're warm, considerate, nice.

They accept us with open arms, which we can appreciate - Great reactions.

The people love it, I go up and shake their hands.

One little boy in the audience of one concert, I put my hand over his head and brushed his hair.

- Yes, I was really impressed and the songs.

- It's just overwhelming.

I mean, some of them, you wish you could take home with you.

They have just been outwardly loving, you can go up and hug them and give them a kiss.

- Very exciting.

- "Laudate Dominum" is a piece that I love.

And, when I heard Izegbe singing, I said, "Oh, this is a person for it."

- It took me a long time to get "Laudate Dominum", because they gave us the Latin words only and not the English translation.

So, when I actually, you know, got the words and it's really a praise song, it's beautiful and you know, and it really coincides with the music and the words, and that's all it is.

It's like the Lord be praised and you know, and he's wonderful, and you know...majestic, and you're beautiful.

And, it's inspiring.

* Laudate Dominum * Omnes gentes * Laudate eum, omnes * Omnes populi * Quoniam confirmata est * Super nos * Misericordia eius * Et veritas, * Veritas Domini * Manet, manet in aeternum * Gloria * Patri et Filio * Et Spiritui Sancto * Sicut erat in principio * Et nunc, et semper Et in saecula saeculorum * * Amen * Amen * Amen * Amen * Amen (audience applauding) - [Narrator] Korea is also home to a number of thriving theaters.

Taking a break from their tight schedule, the Coppin group, is treated to a number of theatrical experiences ranging from the traditional to the magical.

(lively upbeat music) Dr. Yangsoon Song is a Korean American professor at Coppin State College.

Offering his skills of interpretation during the trip, his unique perspective of the choir experience helps with the challenge of bringing these two cultures together.

- The genuine American Korean is on another country, for the genuine Korean, America is on another country, but for me it is both my country.

So, understanding each other is extremely important.

It is understanding myself in both ways, okay.

And then also, if the Korean and the African-American, and (indistinct) can understand the world, I got the most benefit.

- Korea is a beautiful, beautiful place, there are a lot of mountains here.

There's this one place we went to called Itewan, where it's wonderful shopping.

The shopping is phenomenal.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] The city of Seoul has been called the super bowl of shopping, an unbelievable operation open 24 hours a day in every building and on every street corner.

And the Coppin Choir does their part in contributing to the local economy.

- A day of fun for Coppin States Choir.

The most fun I think, we've all had is going to Itaewon market place.

Itaewon is haven basically of alleys and backstreets with shopping.

Anything that you wanna purchase, they have.

- Chucky loves Seoul Korea!

(laughs) - [Narrator] Drawn by the sights and sounds, some of the group taken a trip to a Korean folk village.

Much like colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, the modern park provides the feel, scenery, and traditions of ages past.

(bright upbeat music) - Well, I, myself was privileged to participate in one of the traditional weddings, which I thought was very interesting.

The costuming, the whole process was so different and unique.

All right (laughs) - The local media takes an interest in the visit as well, wanting to know more about the students' impressions and experiences.

- Well, I haven't seen a lot.

I feel very honored to be a part of this venture.

I think that this is one of the most important step and I look forward to others and the more we're able to come together and to learn to understand each other, I think the better we'd be able to function as a community and as a nation.

(indistinct chatters) * Ooh * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready, Lord * Ready to put on my long white robe * * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready, Lord * Ready, to put on my long white robe * * I would not be a sinner * I'll tell you the reason why * 'Cause if my Lord should call on me, Lord * * I wouldn't ready to die * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready, Lord * Ready, to put on my long white robe * * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready, Lord * Ready, to put on my long white robe * * I would not be a gambler * I'll tell you the reason why * 'Cause if my Lord should call on me, Lord * * I wouldn't be ready to die * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready, Lord * Ready, to put on my long white robe * * Be ready to put on my long white robe * * Just ready to put on my long white robe * (audience applauding) - [Narrator] Joining the choir on their trip is an administrative contingent from Coppin State College, along with representatives from the Coppin alumni, President Burnett and Dean Ron Collins, visit Korean universities to discuss future student exchanges.

- I have this vision for Coppin and Korean universities.

I see in the next year and a half or so, at least two students per year leaving Coppin going to Korea learning the language, the Korean language, pursuing their academic discipline, whether it's history or mathematics at the Korean institution.

- [Burnnet] We're building a relationship because we want to develop an exchange program for students, faculty, speakers from various seminars that will help us with our international dimension.

- I see Koreans students coming to Coppin state, coming to us to learn the language, learning about African-American culture, about African-American peoples and the like, that's exciting for us.

What we're doing in Korea is really building bridges too.

I'm leaving very pleased.

(audience applauding) (slow gentle music) - [Narrator] With standing room only at many concerts, the Coppin trip was a fabulous success and touched thousands of lives.

Traveling to the other side of the world has already begun to reap benefits for Coppin, the experiences, relationships, and goodwill, will not only last a lifetime, but spread to others as well.

(slow gentle music) - For many of them, this is their first opportunity out country, and the arts are responsible for that.

So, I'm giving a plug for what the arts can do in people's lives.

It can make great differences.

(slow gentle music) - When we stop learning, it's time to die.

And so, it's keeping me young just to be here.

It's a struggle sometimes to keep up, but when you learn new things and you see exciting things, it just gives you more hope that you just want to live longer and longer so we can see more.

(slow gentle music) - Well, music is a very universal language and listening to them do their praise and worship, we pick up a melody of what they're singing and they pick the melody of what we're singing.

With their two songs that we do, "It Is Well" and "Amazing Grace" that we do part in Korean and they join in with us.

So, music is a universal language that we all can understand.

(slow gentle music) - [Narrator] As the crowd joins in with the Coppin Choir Korean rendition of "Amazing Grace", the music that fills the ears of both the choir and the Korean people brings them together as one.

The visitors come not only from another country, but are representatives of a college, a city, and a culture.

Their message is clear, our skin may have many colors and our mouth may speak many tongues, but the power of music and the human spirit will help unite us all.

(slow gentle music) * Lord, I keep so busy praising my Jesus * * Keep so busy praising my Jesus * * Keep so busy praising my Jesus * * Ain't got time to die * ' Cause when I'm healing the sick I'm praising my Jesus * * When I'm healing the sick I'm praising my Jesus * * When I'm healing the sick I'm praising my Jesus * * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause it takes all of my time, to praise my Jesus * * All of my time to praise my Lord * * If I don't praise him, the rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor * Glory and honor * Ain't got time to die * Now, I want you to get out of my way * * Let me praise my Jesus * Get out of my way let me praise my Lord * * If I don't praise him the rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor * Glory and honor * Ain't got time to die