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Students from the Faculty of Foreign Studies Hachioji CampusFaculty of Languages and Cultures South Korea as part of the JENESYS 2024 university student delegation

On March 9 (Sun) ~ 15 (Sat), Teikyo University student Sara Inoue (Faculty of Languages and Cultures 1st year) was selected as a JENESYS2024 university student delegation to Korea and visited the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as "South Korea") with 89 university students who are interested in South Korea from all over the Japan. In addition, Tomohiro Hara, Professor of the same department, also participated as the head of the group.
In addition to student exchange meetings held at Dongguk National University and Pusan National University, South Korea learned about the Korean War at the War Memorial of Korea and witnessed the reality of the division between North and South Korea at the Unification Observatory. In addition, we learned about the latest technology at Hyundai Motors Studio Goyang and about the traditional culture of South Korea at Jeonju Hanok Maul.

The JENESYS 2024 University Student Visit to Korea is a program run by the Japan-Korea Cultural Foundation and the National Institute of International Education of the Republic of Korea. It sends selected university students from across Japan to South Korea to interact with peers through various tours and university visits, attend lectures, and otherwise deepen their understanding of South Korea society and culture. By actively promoting the appeal of Japan, the program aims to contribute to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening the foundation for building trust between Japan and Korea in the future.

Comments from Sara Inoue (1st year, Faculty of Languages and Cultures)

Through this program, I was inspired and deepened my learning by learning about South Korea history and culture and interacting with university students from all over the country. What particularly impressed me was the War Memorial of Korea and the Odusan Unification Observatory, which we visited on the third day. Because Korean Course included lectures on South Korea history, I thought I had a good understanding of the Korean War, but listening to the guide's explanations revealed many things I had never heard before, and it was an opportunity to further increase my interest.
After visiting the War Memorial of Korea, we visited the Odusan Unification Observatory. From the observatory, we could see the lives of North Korean people through a telescope, and witnessed the reality that even though the ceasefire continues, many families remain separated. While listening to the explanation inside the museum, I was shocked to learn that the closest distance between South Korea and North Korea is only 460 meters. At the same time, I felt a sense of tension, knowing that North Korea could launch an attack at any time. The road near the ceasefire line was lined with multiple layers of barbed wire, and we could even see what appeared to be a guard hut. Seeing this scenery, I firsthand realized that the Korean War is merely a "ceasefire," not an end, and that continuing peace is not something to be taken for granted. I also experienced the kindness and warmth of South Korea people through my interactions. I was very happy to see them kindly lend a hand when I was in trouble and try to communicate even when they couldn't communicate in words. Through this experience, I learned the importance of not giving up and trying to communicate even when words are difficult to understand. I hope that we can create a society where people from various countries, not just South Korea, can interact and get to know each other, thereby building better relationships.

For more information about Faculty of Languages and Cultures, click here
For more information about Professor Tomohiro Hara, click here.
For more information about the JENESYS 2024 university student delegation, click here

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