Dongshin University and Naju City Launch "Burning River Culture Tourism Academy"

Dongshin University AI Glocal Convergence Research Institute held the "Burning River Culture Tourism Academy" as its first project. Provided by Dongshin University

On August 14, Dongshin University AI Glocal Convergence Research Institute announced that it held the "Burning River Culture Tourism Academy" as its first project.

This academy, operated by the Dongshin University AI Glocal Convergence Research Institute and hosted by Naju City, was established to properly observe, learn, understand, and newly utilize the historical and cultural assets contained in the epic novel "Burning River" by author Moon Soon-tae, which is set against the backdrop of the Yeongsan River.

Last month, 32 people, including readers of "Burning River" from across the country and citizens of Naju, participated in the opening ceremony, officially launching the program. Sessions are held every Saturday until November. Participants will directly explore the Yeongsan River area and the living cultural and historical sites of Naju, which serve as the settings in the novel, sharing the humanistic values embedded in these places.

The program will include a variety of content, such as a keynote lecture by author Moon Soon-tae on "Yeongsan River and Narrative Literature, Focusing on Burning River," expert lectures, and field trips.

In-depth lectures by Dongshin University faculty are also planned, including Professor Lee Sangjun's "Current Status and Utilization of Spaces Depicted in Burning River," Professor Choi Miseong's "Modern Utilization of Costumes in the Novel Burning River," former Professor Kim Seonghu's "Naju, Stories of Trees," and Professor Kim Youngmi's "Burning River in the Era of K-Culture."

Participants will also have the opportunity to visit various cultural sites with experts, including the "Dream of Naju Land" story tour, the Mokpo Seonchang story tour, the Gwangju Student Movement story tour, and the Incheon Port Opening story tour.

Lee Sangjun, director of the AI Glocal Convergence Research Institute, stated, "Through 'Burning River,' a great literary work of our time that points to the direction the humanities should pursue, I hope we can discover new perspectives in the humanities that encompass not only literary education but also costumes, ecology, theater, and tourism." He added, "I hope the diverse practices and records accumulated through this academy will provide meaningful experiences for citizens and serve as a valuable foundation for enriching cultural content in the local community."

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