German High School Students Pay Tribute at 5.18 Cemetery... First Gwangju-Leipzig Exchange

“The May Spirit Is Connecting With the World”

On May 30, students from Wilhelm Ostwald High School in Leipzig, Germany, visited Gwangju and paid their respects at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery.

According to the Gwangju Office of Education, 16 students and 2 teachers from Wilhelm Ostwald High School visited the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery on this day to pay their respects. This visit was the first to take place under the international exchange agreement signed last year between the Gwangju Office of Education and the Leipzig Office of Education in Germany.

On the 30th, Lee Jungseon, Superintendent of Gwangju Education, is moving to pay respects at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery together with 16 students and 2 teachers from Wilhelm Ostwald High School in Germany. Provided by Gwangju Office of Education

The education offices of Gwangju and Leipzig have continued exchange activities with the goal of promoting historical understanding and the practice of peace and human rights education. In addition to the German delegation, Superintendent Lee Jungseon, Ko Joonsang, principal of Gwangju Science High School, 16 students and teachers from Gwangju Science High School, and 6 students from the "Global Leader Around the World" team who visited Germany in March also participated in the tribute on this day.

Superintendent Lee greeted the delegation at the "Gate of Democracy," the entrance to the cemetery, and presented them with the Korean edition of Han Kang's novel "The Boy Is Coming" and a "May Bus Keyring," delivering the message, "The May Spirit, Go Together!"

Earlier, since May 25, the German students had been staying in Gwangju, participating in various exchange programs such as homestays at Gwangju Science High School, research presentations, and discussion forums.

Superintendent Lee Jungseon stated, "The Gwangju Spirit of May 1980 is transcending borders and connecting with the world," and added, "Gwangju education will continue to expand international exchanges so that young people can learn and practice the values of peace and human rights."