Keimyung and Wonkwang Universities Continue 28-Year Yeongnam-Honam Exchange... 'Educational Coexistence Model' Transcending Christianity and Buddhism in the Spotlight

Joint Project Briefing to Enhance University Competitiveness,
Friendly Baseball Match, and More Events Held

Keimyung University (President Shin Ilhee) and Wonkwang University (President Park Seongtae) have established themselves as symbols of exchange between the Yeongnam and Honam regions, drawing attention as they continue a 28-year history of collaboration.

According to Keimyung University on November 10, the recent exchange event held at Keimyung University on November 7 included a joint project briefing session to enhance university competitiveness, a friendly baseball match, and a student competency development program.

Keimyung University and Wonkwang University held a regular exchange event on the 7th, with participants taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Keimyung University

The exchange between the two universities began in 1998, at a time when regional conflicts were deep, and was recognized as a model of inter-university cooperation.

In particular, Wonkwang University is a university affiliated with Won Buddhism, while Keimyung University is a Christian university, adding significance to interfaith harmony.

The exchange between the two universities began with the signing of an academic exchange agreement in May 1998, followed by the first friendly baseball game between the baseball teams of Keimyung University and Wonkwang University.

Since then, the two universities have continued to hold joint academic seminars every year, selecting various topics such as medicine, philosophy, public administration, and character education, with participation from professors and students from both institutions.

In addition, they have maintained close cooperation in various fields, including exchanges in arts and physical education, staff training, guest lectures, student learning activities, and collaboration on administrative, management, and business programs.

This year's exchange event, marking the 28th anniversary, began with a joint project briefing session held in Meeting Room 3 of the Haengso Building at Keimyung University.

Jo Junho, Director of the Center for Educational Innovation at Wonkwang University, and Jeong Daewon, Head of the Student Success Center at Keimyung University, gave presentations on "Strategies for Enhancing Foundational Student Competencies Based on Artificial Intelligence."

In the afternoon, participants visited Cheongna Hill and Jejungwon, the predecessor of Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, and a friendly baseball game was held at the Keimyung University Mobility Campus. The ceremonial first pitch by Keimyung University President Shin Ilhee and the ceremonial first hit by Wonkwang University President Park Seongtae further emphasized the spirit of harmony.

The two universities are also operating student exchange programs and joint character education programs to strengthen student competencies.

From October 31 to November 1, a student exchange program was held under the theme "Developing Future-Oriented Growth Competencies through Learning and Team Building," and from December 23 to 24, a joint character education program will be held under the theme "University-Linked Global Citizen Program."

Meanwhile, in 2017, the two universities commemorated the 20th anniversary of their exchange by establishing symbols of friendship on their campuses.

The street lined with Chionanthus retusus trees in the Wonkwang University Natural Arboretum was named "Friendship Road," as the Chionanthus retusus flower is the official flower of Keimyung University.

In response, Keimyung University planted 20 white magnolia trees, the official flower of Wonkwang University, in front of the College of Physical Education on the Seongseo Campus, creating the "Friendship Forest."

Shin Ilhee, President of Keimyung University, stated, "The 28-year exchange with Wonkwang University is a valuable legacy that has practiced the true value of mutual prosperity, transcending regional and religious boundaries. I express deep respect for the history and tradition of Wonkwang University, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year, and I will continue to nurture talents who will lead the future of the region and the nation through the continued joint growth of both universities."

Park Seongtae, President of Wonkwang University, said, "The exchange with Keimyung University has continued to develop steadily despite the changes of the times. Building a sustainable cooperation model by sharing experiences will be significant not only for both universities but also for the future of higher education in Korea."

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