Introducing the Excellence of Donguibogam Listed by UNESCO... International Exchange Group Explores Korean Cultural Heritage for 10 Days
On the afternoon of the 9th, Jin Gyo-hoon, Mayor of Gangseo-gu, Seoul, met with students from the French Sainte Jeanne Elisabeth School visiting Heo Jun Museum, a representative cultural facility in the area, and introduced the cultural heritage of Gangseo-gu.
Greeting them in French, Mayor Jin said, "Heo Jun Museum is a specialized museum of traditional Korean medicine established to honor the achievements of Heo Jun, a leading medical figure in our country," and explained, "Gangseo-gu is the hometown of Heo Jun and the place where his representative work, Donguibogam, was written."
He continued, "Donguibogam was recognized for its medical value and excellence and was registered as a UNESCO Memory of the World in 2009," adding, "I hope this international exchange will be a meaningful time to experience Korean culture and learn about the cultural heritage of Gangseo-gu."
The exchange event was organized to inform French students, who have been continuing international exchanges with Hanseo High School located in Gangseo-gu, about the medical value of Donguibogam and the local cultural heritage.
About 20 French students participating in the event watched a promotional video about Gangseo-gu introduced by the "nation's first public official VTuber" and then had a Q&A session to satisfy their curiosity.
The session was conducted in a rapid Q&A format, with Mayor Jin answering students' questions immediately.
The students asked various questions such as "What are the criteria for policy directions for urban development?" and "What do you think about international exchanges?" Mayor Jin provided detailed answers, and the meeting continued beyond the scheduled time.
Mayor Jin responded, "It is important to leverage the geographical advantages of Gimpo Airport and the advanced industrial district Magok to enhance urban competitiveness and create a city where children, adults, and people with disabilities can all live happily." He also said, "International exchanges, which allow us to experience each other's culture and education and further promote mutual cooperation between the two cities, are very meaningful."
On the day, the students visited the "15th Anniversary Special Exhibition of Donguibogam’s Registration as a UNESCO Memory of the World" and participated in various experiential programs. They tried on the royal physician’s and female medical officer’s traditional costumes and experienced making natural herbal soap.
The French international exchange group, who visited Korea on the 1st, experienced Korea’s representative cultural heritage sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Cemetery, and Cheonggyecheon Stream, and are scheduled to return to France on the 10th.
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