Complete Walk of Nampalanggil to Wish Success for 'Glocal Future Education Expo'

Jeonnam education families completed the entire 51-course section of the Nampalanggil Trail, hoping for the successful hosting of the ‘2024 Korea Glocal Future Education Expo’.

The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education announced on the 18th that the Jeonnam education family supporters, who started walking activities wishing for the successful hosting of the ‘2024 Korea Glocal Future Education Expo,’ achieved the 15km Nampalanggil Trail and arrived in Yeosu.

Jeonnam education families completed the entire 51st course of Nampalanggil to ensure the successful hosting of the '2024 Korea Glocal Future Education Expo.' Photo by Jeonnam Office of Education

The education families started from Yudang Park in Gwangyang and walked the entire Nampalanggil Trail to Yulchon Elementary School, the northernmost school in Yeosu.

On the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement, they walked the Nampalanggil Trail course connecting Gwangyang, Suncheon, and Yeosu, honoring the ‘May Spirit’ that rose resolutely for democracy, human rights, and peace.

These three regions are places imbued with the spirit of sacrifice of independence activist Maechon Hwang Hyun, Seong Dong-jun, and student soldiers who volunteered nationwide during the Korean War, providing an opportunity to reflect on the timeless Jeonnam spirit of ‘Ui’ (義, righteousness).

Maechon Hwang Hyun, an educator from Gwangyang, was a figure who, after Korea’s sovereignty was lost to Japan in 1910, expressed deep sorrow for the national humiliation and left four death poems before dying for the country.

Also, Seong Dong-jun, the 3rd Jeonnam Superintendent of Education from Suncheon, led the Korea-China joint guerrilla forces during the Japanese colonial period, fighting against Japanese rule. After liberation, he returned as a member of the Liberation Army and devoted his life to nurturing future generations, greatly contributing to regional educational development.

In Yeosu, a monument honoring the noble sacrifice of Jeonnam student soldiers has been erected. About 180 student soldiers volunteered to enlist when the Korean War broke out, sacrificing their lives to protect the country. Additionally, over 70 died in the Hwajeon Battle in Hwadong, Gyeongnam, marking the first nationwide participation composed purely of student soldiers.

On this day, the education families reflected on the meaning of Confucius’ phrase ‘Geunjayeol Wonjarae (近者悅 遠者來),’ sharing the direction of Jeonnam education that turns crises into opportunities.

Superintendent of Education Kim Dae-jung stated, “We will prepare thoroughly during the remaining period of the Glocal Future Education Expo, the signal fire of future education, and make every effort to ensure a successful expo.”

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