A Week of Diverse Programs
Exploring Solidarity and Coexistence
The East Asia Research Institute at Dong-Eui University, led by Director Lee Kyungkyu, announced on the 7th that the 20th Humanities Week event, jointly organized with Goseong-gun in South Gyeongsang Province (Governor Lee Sanggeun), concluded on November 2.
Dong-Eui University East Asia Research Institute is taking a commemorative photo after concluding the Humanities Week event. Photo by Dong-Eui University
This event was part of the "2025 Humanities City Support Project," supported by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, and was held under the theme "Connecting Each Other, Being Together - The City of Solidarity and Coexistence, Goseong."
The focus was on re-examining the region’s history and culture from a humanities perspective to enhance local pride among residents and expand the foundation of humanities in the area.
On the first day, October 27, Professor Lee Inja from Tohoku University in Japan delivered a keynote lecture titled "The Power of the Region Connecting Youth and the Humanities." She emphasized, "Humanities learned together with residents in earthquake-affected areas have become a driving force for regional recovery," and highlighted the need for a model of solidarity between universities and local communities.
The following day, Professor Cha Mincheol from the Department of Film Studies at Dong-Eui University screened the documentary "Forgetting, Connecting, and Existing" at Goseong CGV, exploring the lives, identities, and meaning of returning home for stateless individuals.
On the same day, at the Chaekdumbung Library, ecological writer Kwon Ohjun hosted a book concert titled "Again, Connecting Nature and People," shedding light on the intersection of local ecology and the humanities.
On the 29th, Lee Taejae, President of the Korean Atomic Bomb Victims Descendants Association, gave a lecture on "Attending the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony," stating, "The memory of nuclear damage must lead to the practice of peace." Participants also took part in an activity making pinwheels to find the meaning of peace.
On the 31st, Lee Byungyun, a curator from Goseong County Office, gave a lecture on "The Present and Future of Sogaya in Goseong," followed by an on-site tour of historical sites. On November 1, traditional cultural programs such as the Goseong Ogwangdae experience and brewing culture workshops were held.
During the event period, a photo exhibition titled "Peace in Everyday Life - Again, Connecting Your and My Everyday Lives" was held at Chaekdumbung Library and Healing Park in Goseong. On the 2nd, the event concluded with an awards ceremony for outstanding works.
Lee Kyungkyu, Director of the East Asia Research Institute at Dong-Eui University, said, "Through humanities programs based on Goseong's traditions and culture, local residents were able to reflect on their own identities and values," adding, "We will continue to develop new initiatives to popularize the humanities in Goseong."
The East Asia Research Institute at Dong-Eui University was selected for the Ministry of Education's "2025 Humanities City Support Project" this year and will receive a total of 450 million won over three years, from June 2025 to May 2028. Through this project, the institute plans to discover Goseong-gun's humanities assets and establish a foundation for humanities in the region.
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