Provincial Office of Education: "Global Expansion through K-Edu Center and International Exchange"
Jeonnam Students Excel in Swimming and More at North America's Largest Korean Sports Festival
Jeonnam students gained "glocal experience" by officially participating in the National Korean American Sports Festival, the largest stage for Korean sports exchange in North America, for the first time as representatives from Korea.
The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education announced on the 26th that the Jeonnam Student Athletes Delegation successfully participated in the 23rd National Korean American Sports Festival held in Dallas, Texas, USA, marking the meaningful completion of the first-ever official appearance by a delegation from mainland Korea.
This event is the largest Korean sports exchange festival in North America. Under the motto "Friendship," Korean youth from around the world share culture and interact through sports. Jeonnam students competed in a variety of events, including track and field, golf, swimming, and bowling, actively engaging in communication and cultural exchange with local students and Korean American residents.
The Jeonnam Student Athletes Delegation participated in the 23rd National Korean American Sports Festival held in Dallas, Texas, USA. Provided by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education
On the first day of the festival, the Jeonnam delegation joined Lee Yooseung, President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, for a luncheon, where the students representing Korea on the global stage received words of encouragement. Ahead of the anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War on June 25, they visited a local memorial for war veterans, laying flowers, observing a moment of silence, and reading messages of remembrance to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice and dedication.
Jeonnam students naturally developed a global perspective by participating in exchange-focused programs in each sport. Track and field athletes trained together with American students, while golf athletes played rounds with aspiring local professionals. Notably, Lee Dam from Hampyeong Golf High School said, "Through exchanges with American athletes, we discussed differences in career paths and culture." Jung Hangyeol from Jeonnam Culinary Science High School, who competed in bowling, said, "I was impressed by the deep interest of the local Korean American community, and I hope bowling will become even more popular in Korea."
In swimming, Jeonnam students demonstrated their abilities by placing in the top ranks across all events. On the final day of the festival, nine students and two staff members participated in a marathon, sharing a meaningful experience with local Korean Americans. The Provincial Office of Education evaluated this experience as more than just an overseas trip, calling it the first step toward Jeonnam-style future education on the global stage.
Chung Joohyun, President of the Korean American Sports Association of the USA, and Kim Sunghan, President of the Dallas Korean Sports Association, expressed their deep gratitude for the participation of the delegation from Korea and said they hope such regular exchanges will continue in the future.
Superintendent Kim Daejung stated, "Participation in this festival is more than just an overseas experience; it is the realization of the 'glocal future education' that Jeonnam education pursues. The Office of Education will spare no effort in supporting students so they can grow as proactive global citizens."
Building on this participation, the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education plans to further strengthen the global growth foundation for students by expanding cooperation with the National Korean American Sports Festival, operating a career platform centered on the "K-Edu Center" at Troy University, and expanding customized international sports and cultural exchange programs for students.
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