Kyobo Education Foundation Holds Korea-Japan Youth Cultural Exchange Event

2025 Kyobo Global Change Event
Korea-Japan Youth Gather for International Cultural Exchange
Celebrating 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations Through Culture and Friendship

The Kyobo Education Foundation, a public interest foundation of Kyobo Life Insurance, announced on August 1 that it held the "2025 Kyobo Global Change" Korea-Japan Youth International Cultural Exchange event over two days, July 29 and 30, in the area around the Kyobo Life Insurance Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

This program was held as part of the "Change Academy," a youth creative leadership program operated by Kyobo Life Insurance and the Kyobo Education Foundation since 2016. A total of 28 participants took part, including outstanding graduates of the Change Academy and middle and high school students from Yasuda Gakuen in Tokyo, Japan.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, and the event was organized as a venue for youth from both countries to envision the future together through culture and friendship.

On the 30th of last month, students participating in the '2025 Kyobo Global Change Korea-Japan Youth International Cultural Exchange' are taking a commemorative photo at the Kyobo Life Insurance Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Kyobo Life Insurance

Under the theme "Culture Shared Together, Friendship Connected Through Culture," this exchange activity provided opportunities for participants to respect and understand each other's cultures through a variety of cultural experiences and exchange activities. The participants engaged in a range of programs, including pre-exchange activities, a cultural exploration of downtown Seoul, a Korean cuisine cooking experience, group missions and presentations, and special lectures.

On the second day of the event, Kawase Kazuhiro, Director of the Public Information and Cultural Center at the Embassy of Japan in Korea, visited the venue and delivered a special lecture on the topic "Korea and Japan in the World." Director Kawase stated, "A sustainable Korea-Japan relationship begins with the youth here today adopting a future-oriented and cooperative attitude."

As part of the cultural experience program, students participated in a "Korean Cuisine Cooking Class," where they made tteokbokki and gimbap themselves. Through sharing food, they naturally opened their hearts and formed bonds and connections that transcended language barriers.

In addition, students explored major attractions in Seoul, such as Insa-dong, Tongin Market, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), and the Seoul Museum of History, experiencing firsthand the coexistence of tradition and modernity in Korean culture. Through group discussions and presentations, they reflected on the exchange activities and shared diverse perspectives on the roles youth can play in international society and their visions for the future.

Choi Hwajeong, Chairperson of the Kyobo Education Foundation, said, "I was deeply moved to see the youth naturally interacting and enjoying themselves in this program, which was prepared even more richly to mark the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations. We hope these young people will grow into global leaders who will lead the next 60 years, and the foundation will continue to expand international exchange programs to help the next generation gain broader experiences and a global perspective."