By Wonsuh Song
Recalling my childhood, I vividly remember standing in a corner of the elementary school playground, clutching a small, charming certificate as if it were a precious treasure. That certificate was part of the so-called “Gomian Movement,” a school initiative designed to encourage students to practice basic phrases such as “thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “hello.” At the time, I was simply eager to earn praise, but only later did I realize that this movement was rooted in something far more significant: the importance of fundamental courtesy and consideration in human relationships.
Back then, the term “Gomian” (from the Korean words 고맙습니다, 미안합니다, 안녕하세요) seemed like a special activity unique to our school. Yet, decades later, I suspect it imparted lessons more valuable than acing exams or competing for college admissions. These days, people often cite busy schedules or social awkwardness as reasons for not voicing simple expressions of gratitude or apology, or even offering a warm greeting. Even within families, saying “thank you” can be rare, and among friends, the words “I’m sorry” are often left unsaid, even after hurting one another.
Witnessing the daily “morning arrival guidance” at Shumei University, where I currently teach, reminds me of the Gomian Movement more than ever. Every morning, faculty and staff greet students as they step off the campus shuttle bus, enthusiastically calling out, “Good morning!” Students, in turn, casually say “Hello!” even to professors they have never met. The scene is somewhat reminiscent of a department store opening, with staff lined up to welcome customers, and might seem a bit old-fashioned. Yet, there is a genuine warmth in these interactions that underscores the power of small gestures.
A simple “thank you” holds more happiness than many people realize, because only through words can we let someone know they are truly appreciated. Offering a genuine “I’m sorry” can restore broken connections, and a friendly “hello” can close the gap between strangers in an instant. However, rapid urbanization means we often don’t even recognize our neighbors’ faces, while workplaces sometimes reduce each other to mere objects of evaluation or comparison, chipping away at fundamental courtesies and compassion.
This is precisely why the essence of the Gomian Movement should be revisited. Rather than elaborate education systems or demanding curricula, daily acts of politeness and kindness may well be what genuinely matter in our lives. In my childhood, those small certificates—exchangeable for a larger certificate once enough were collected—symbolized how “thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “hello” remain timeless, indispensable building blocks of human interaction. Perhaps it is we modern-day adults, exhausted by constant dissatisfaction and comparisons, who stand to benefit most from reintroducing gratitude, apology, and cheerful greetings into our lives.
The Gomian Movement’s teaching represents an enduring virtue that each of us should practice throughout our lives. In a society where “thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “hello” flow freely, we discover a sense of warmth that binds us together, forming a true “community.” It is time we revisit those small certificates and remember the value they once stood for.
Song Wonsuh (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Shumei University / NKNGO Forum Representative
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