The Foundation is supporting the 2026 Northeast Asia History Exchange Promotion Project to help young people develop a sound understanding of history and lay the groundwork for a peaceful Northeast Asian community. As part of the project, students from Yukmingwan Middle School in Gangwon Province (May 31–June 3) and Semyung High School in Chungcheongbuk-do Province (June 10–14) visited schools in China, where they shared meaningful experiences and forged friendships across borders through history and culture.
■ [Yukmingwan Middle School, Gangwon] Tracing the Footsteps of Korea-China Solidarity Through History
Students from Yukmingwan Middle School spent four days and three nights exploring historical sites in Tianjin and visiting Tianjin Foreign Studies University Affiliated Gaoxin District Marine Foreign Language School.
The students first visited the Beijiang Museum, where they learned about Tianjin’s natural history and cultural heritage. The following day, they participated in International Children’s Day activities, viewed an art exhibition, and joined collaborative classes with local students.
Particularly popular were hands-on experiences with the traditional Chinese musical instrument Guzheng and a joint history-and-culture workshop led by teacher Lee Eon-jong from Yukmingwan Middle School. After the activities, students exchanged social media contacts and pledged to continue their friendship, while educators discussed future educational exchanges and cooperation.
On the third and final days, students explored Tianjin’s historical and cultural landmarks, including the Tianjin Museum, former concession areas such as Italian Style Town and Ancient Culture Street, the Folk Customs Cultural Expo Park, and the Five Great Avenues Cultural Tourism District.
Through these visits, students gained firsthand insight into the evolution of modern urban culture in Northeast Asia and the history of cultural interaction between Korea and China.
■ [Semyung High School, Chungbuk] Advancing the Path Toward Peace in Northeast Asia with Fengcheng Middle School
Students from Semyung High School spent five days and four nights in Fengcheng City, Jiangxi Province, where they participated in school exchanges with Fengcheng Middle School and explored historical and cultural sites.
The program was designed to help Korean and Chinese youth develop mutual understanding and a balanced view of history through joint field studies and cultural activities.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by their Chinese hosts. On the second day, teacher Lim Byeong-yong of Semyung High School conducted a class session, followed by a “Korea-China Friendship Cultural Class” featuring traditional music and dance performances from both countries, as well as sports and cultural exchange activities.
On the third day, students paid tribute at the tomb and statue of General Deng Zilong, who fought alongside Korean forces during the Battle of Noryang in the Imjin War and lost his life in battle. This provided an opportunity to reflect on the long history of Korea-China solidarity.
Students also toured an autonomous vehicle manufacturing facility and participated in pressed-flower craft activities, experiencing both China’s industrial development and traditional culture.
Traditional Culture Experiences and Historical Exploration
Students visited Yongguang Academy, the Jianyi Museum, and the Hongzhou Kiln Museum, where they took part in ceramic-making workshops and explored important historical sites.
These activities enabled participants to appreciate the historical legacy of interaction and shared development throughout Northeast Asia. One supervising teacher commented, “The program provided students with an opportunity to communicate openly and build a foundation for mutual historical understanding.”
■ Building a Peaceful Northeast Asia Through Future Generations
This exchange program served as an opportunity to embody the spirit of “Harmony without Uniformity” (和而不同) by respecting differences while seeking mutual understanding.
Participating students shared that the experience allowed them to communicate without prejudice and build genuine friendships, making it a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of one another.
The Foundation will continue to promote field-based historical exchange programs that help future generations build a peaceful Northeast Asian community founded on shared historical understanding and mutual respect.