Korea-Japan Historical and Cultural Project Held on Campus... Silla University Japanese Language Education Department Hosts RISE-Linked Competition

A project comparing the historical and cultural aspects of Korea and Japan was conducted on a university campus.

The Department of Japanese Language Education at Silla University (President Heo Namsik) attracted attention by holding the "Korea-Japan Historical and Cultural Comparison Project Competition" at the Fall Conference of the Korean Association of Japanese Language and Literature.

On November 15, the Fall Conference organized by the Korean Association of Japanese Language and Literature was held at the College of Humanities, Pusan National University, with around 40 professors and students from Silla University’s Department of Japanese Language Education participating in the event.

A student from Silla University’s Department of Japanese Language Education presenting at the Korea-Japan Historical and Cultural Comparison Project Competition.

During the academic conference, which featured a variety of sections such as academic presentations by division, poster presentations, an opening ceremony, and invited lectures, the Department of Japanese Language Education at Silla University, with support from the RISE project, organized a section dedicated to the "Korea-Japan Historical and Cultural Comparison Project Competition."

This project involved five teams, each consisting of eight students from the Department of Japanese Language Education. The teams presented research comparing and analyzing temples in Busan and Japan, covering topics such as: △ Stories of temples in Korea and Japan from the perspectives of history and culture △ Korean and Japanese Buddhism: Same roots, different paths △ A comparison of religious daily life in Korea and Japan: Choices of faith and cultural coexistence △ The origin myths and comparative analysis of Korean and Japanese temples △ The use of temple imagery in modern media.

To deliver flawless project presentations, the participating students shared their ideas with the faculty from the preparation stage and designed their research with advice from Professor Kim Yonggak, President of the Korean Association of Japanese Language and Literature.

Through the process of "preliminary research - data interpretation - on-site comparison - final presentation," the students gained experience in academic presentations, strengthened their research capabilities through project-based learning (PBL), and had opportunities to enhance their logical communication skills.

A student from Silla University’s Department of Japanese Language Education presenting at the Korea-Japan Historical and Cultural Comparison Project Competition.

The university explained that this project went beyond a simple introduction to culture, enabling students to conduct research based on academic analysis and critical thinking, and providing an opportunity for Japanese language education majors to deepen their expertise and comparative cultural perspectives.

Lee Yoona, head of the Department of Japanese Language Education at Silla University, said, "I am very proud that our students gave excellent presentations on topics they chose themselves at the November project competition, following temple visits in September and a midterm rehearsal. The teamwork and growth demonstrated during the preparation process once again highlighted the unity of our department."

Gong Jiwoo, a fourth-year student who participated in the program, commented, "By comparing and analyzing temples in Busan and Japan from a single perspective, my understanding of Japanese culture has deepened. In particular, the experience of presenting at the conference served as a strong motivator for me as a major in this field."

Hwang Inju, head of the RISE Project Group, stated, "This program is a meaningful example of students expanding their international perspectives by comparing local cultural assets with Japanese culture, and it fulfills the goal of the Busan-style RISE project to nurture global talents in culture and tourism."

Hwang added, "We will take the lead in strengthening Busan’s global cultural capabilities by expanding academic-based practical education and international comparative culture programs."

Silla University plans to continuously expand its RISE-linked educational model and operate comparative culture programs that combine academics, practical training, and international exchange, enabling students to grow into talents who connect the local community with the world.

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