"Following the Footsteps of Ahn Jung-geun and Yun Dong-ju"... 30 Jeonnam-Gwangju Students Head to China

Exploring History in Yanbian and Harbin, Engaging with Local Students
Enhancing Global Citizenship through Cultural Experiences and Buddy Guide Tours

Middle and high school students from Gwangju are visiting sites related to the anti-Japanese independence movement in China to learn about history firsthand and engage in cultural exchanges with local students.

On September 2, Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education announced it would operate the "2026 Northeast Asia International Exchange" program in the Yanji and Harbin areas of China for five days and four nights, until September 6. Thirty local middle and high school students are participating in the program.

The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education will operate the '2026 Northeast Asia International Exchange' program in the Yanji and Harbin areas of China. Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Office of Education

Under the theme "Exploring the Path of the Independence Movement, Blossoming through Humanities," this program was designed to deepen students’ historical understanding through visits to anti-Japanese independence movement heritage sites. It also aims to foster global citizenship by offering diverse cultural experiences and opportunities for foreign language communication.

After completing pre-departure training, participating students introduced the history and culture of Jeonnam and Gwangju to local students through online communication. They also prepared various cultural exchange activities to be presented locally, including K-POP and Taekwondo performances.

During the exchange program, students will take part in activities such as visiting Yanbian University and Yanbian Korean International School, a historical tour of Longjing and Tumen, an excursion to Mount Baekdu, and visits to the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall and the Unit 731 historical site in Harbin.

In particular, the students will attend a special lecture on Chinese conversation and enjoy cultural performances at Yanbian University, introduce Jeonnam and Gwangju at the Yanbian Korean International School, and conduct a "Buddy Guide Tour" with local students.

They will also visit significant sites in Longjing, such as Yun Dong-ju's birthplace and Myeongdong School, as well as the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall and Zhaolin Park in Harbin, to retrace the footsteps of the anti-Japanese struggle. After completing the itinerary, the students will participate in a “Time for Reflection and Sharing,” where they exchange what they learned and felt during the trip and further develop their qualities as global citizens.

Noh Jeong-hyun, Director of Future Citizenship Education, said, "I hope this exchange program offers students the opportunity to observe the history of the anti-Japanese independence movement on site, communicate with other cultures, and broaden their perspectives. We will continue to support international exchange programs so that students can grow into global citizens who respect diversity beyond borders."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.