4
Gwangju City News
MONTHLY NEWS
From the Gwangju Metropolitan City website (http://gwangju.go.kr)
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
September 2021
“Come to Gwangju,” Online Youth Exchange Program Promoted Abroad Gwangju’s teenagers have promoted Korean culture through an online program with overseas adolescents from sister cities by interacting closely through events, discussions, and virtual trips. The youth cultural exchange program, hosted by Gwangju City and organized by the Gwangju International Center, was held twice this summer, July 19–29 and August 2–6. In July, 23 young adults from Gwangju and 12 other countries, including the sister city of Sendai (Japan), took part in the event, while in August, 24 people from the sister city Medan (Indonesia) and Gwangju participated. All participants in the program had received kits that were mailed in advance with English and Indonesian translations so they could enjoy firsthand the experience events they chose. The activities in the program, led by expert instructors in each field, were diverse, ranging from K-pop idol-like make-up tutorials, taekwondo instruction, and K-pop dance routines to making Hangeul
2021�09��.indd 4
souvenirs, and learning about the May 18 Democratization Movement. In addition, as a group activity among the participants, they had to introduce themselves to the team members by taking pictures of restaurants and attractions in the neighborhood where they lived, sharing a special experience of scenery and vivid daily life around the world. “I was able to communicate with participants from other countries and enjoy various experiences related to the areas of Korean culture that I was interested in,” said Nioka from Sendai, Japan. Jang Bong-joo, a city official for international cooperation, said, “We have prepared an opportunity to revitalize youth exchanges, which have been stagnant due to COVID-19, into a new type of online cultural exchange, and we will continue to promote friendship and strengthen exchanges and cooperation.”
2021-08-26 �� 10:36:33
