Dag Sinterklaasje, dag dag…!

On 3rd December 2022, Sinterklaas visited the Korean School of Amsterdam! 

For all kids and adults, one of the most anticipated festivities of the year is the 5th of December, also called Sinterklaas Pakjesavond (package night). Songs, treats and gifts, along with the good company of friends and family are the main ingredients to make this special evening a memorable one for kids of all ages!

Before Sinterklaas went back to Spain we got the lucky opportunity to get a surprise visit from him and his Piet.

Sinterklaas’ best friend, Piet, was carrying a big bag full of “pepernoten” and handed them out to all the kids. Children reacted differently towards the whole event. Some were very happy, some were surprised and some were visibly overwhelmed. Each of their reactions and excitement made the entire atmosphere feel like magic. 

Young students will take a while to figure out why Sinterklaas looks different compared to where he visits other places. No matter whether they know the secret or not, their fandom and stardom will last! 

Sinterklaas visited every single classroom, even the adult students with backgrounds from diverse cultures and countries. 

‘Hallo, lieve kindertjes. Zijn jullie allemaal lief geweest? Hebben jullie allemaal goed naar papa en mama geluisterd?’

Do you listen to your mom and dad well?’ Dutch students, the Sinterklaas experts, responded happily to the Sint, and other students reacted shily but enjoyed this festive atmosphere nonetheless.

Everyone has a child living deep in their hearts. The day you meet Sinterklaas is the day you become a child again.

This year, Sinterklaas challenged the students from the Korean language classes and gave them an assignment.

“How do you say “pepernoot” in Korean?”

It is a simple yet difficult question, but even someone who speaks Korean fluently could not answer this question.

Right now we still have one more year to find the right answer before Sinterklaas’ next visit. 

We say thank you and see you next year, Sint and Piet! Dag Sinterklaasje! Dag dag!

The Korean School of Amsterdam aims for broad cultural acceptance that encompasses both the Netherlands and Korea. Thank you very much.