Danish Teachers and Students Who Visited Gwangju in March Send Letter of Thanks

"Gift of Han Kang's Book Symbolizes Friendship Between Human Rights Nations"
Silkeborg Citizens' School: "Youth Education and Cultural Cooperation"

Thank You Letter from Silkeborg Citizens' School in Denmark. Provided by Gwangju City

In March, teachers and students from Silkeborg Citizens' School in Denmark, who visited Gwangju on a study trip, sent a letter to Gwangju City expressing their gratitude for Mayor Kang Gijeong's warm welcome and the gift of books, including "Human Acts" by author Han Kang.

In the letter, Silkeborg Citizens' School stated, "We were able to have meaningful conversations about youth welfare in Korea and Denmark, and the gift of Han Kang's book was a wonderful gesture symbolizing cultural friendship between countries that value human rights. We were deeply moved by Gwangju's hospitality."

The letter also said, "Now our students can immerse themselves in the spirit of Korea and its world-class literature. The gifts from Gwangju will be remembered for a long time," expressing their intention to continue exchanges in the future.

The city sees this letter as more than just an expression of thanks, viewing it as a signal for educational and cultural exchanges between the youth of the two cities. Gwangju plans to further expand youth exchange and cultural cooperation programs going forward.

Previously, on March 14-17, 35 teachers and students from Silkeborg Citizens' School visited Gwangju on a "Study Trip" and explored historical sites related to the May 18 Democratization Movement, including the 5·18 Liberty Park, Mangwoldong Old Cemetery, the former South Jeolla Provincial Government building, and the 5·18 Archives, experiencing Gwangju's history and spirit firsthand.

On the third day of their visit, Mayor Kang Gijeong attended a youth exchange event, engaged in conversation with Danish youth, and introduced Gwangju as a city of Nobel laureates, highlighting the May 18 Democratization Movement, former President Kim Dae-jung, and author Han Kang. Mayor Kang presented them with Han Kang's novels "Human Acts," "I Do Not Bid Farewell," and "The Vegetarian," adding further significance to the occasion.

Meanwhile, Silkeborg Citizens' School is a progressive lifelong learning institution in Denmark. Instead of offering traditional degree programs or exam-oriented education, it practices an innovative educational philosophy that fosters an international perspective and open-minded thinking among students.