5·18 Research Institute’s Tour of "Boy Comes" Novel Sites Gains Popularity

Educational Program Explores May 18 Historical Sites
International Students Experience and Share the Values of Democracy

The first session of the 'Boy Comes' novel location exploration program, operated by the 5·18 Research Institute at Chonnam National University, was successfully held on the 16th for international students from Bangladesh and Nepal. Photo by Chonnam National University

The educational program exploring historical locations featured in the novel "Boy Comes," operated by the 5·18 Research Institute at Chonnam National University, is gaining popularity.

This program was established in celebration of author Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature, allowing international students across the country to visit key sites of the May 18 Democratization Movement that appear in the novel and learn about their historical background and significance. The program has been so popular that all sessions were fully booked soon after registration opened.

The first session was successfully held on the 16th for international students from Bangladesh and Nepal. The following sessions will take place on the 23rd and 24th, targeting international students from across Korea as well as students from India and Pakistan. Additionally, a session for Vietnamese students will be held on the 30th, and another for Chonnam National University international students is scheduled for December 20.

After attending a lecture on the May 18 movement, participating students tour historical sites of the May 18 Democratization Movement-including the former Jeonnam Provincial Office, the former Red Cross Hospital, and Jeonil Building 245-accompanied by interpreters and guides.

One Bangladeshi student who joined the program said, "Since I spend most of my time in the lab, I didn't know much about May 18, so this was a great opportunity. There are also ongoing civic struggles for democratization in Bangladesh, which made me relate to the May 18 movement even more deeply."

Min Byungro, director of the 5·18 Research Institute, stated, "By exploring the May 18 historical sites featured in the novel together with international students, we are creating a valuable opportunity to share the meaning of the May 18 Democratization Movement and the values of democracy on a global scale."