South Korea Welcomes Yantai’s Legacy with the Launch of Nishan Library in Buyeo-gun

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

South Korea marked a significant cultural milestone on November 30, 2024, as the CICG Academy of Translation and Interpretation, in collaboration with the Information Office of the People’s Government of Yantai, hosted the “To Learn about Yantai Reading Session” in Buyeo-gun. The event also celebrated the official opening of the “Corner of Chinese Culture • Nishan Library,” further strengthening the enduring cultural exchange between Yantai, a vibrant coastal city in Shandong Province, China, and Buyeo-gun, located in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea.

This event is part of an ongoing series of cultural exchanges between the two regions. Earlier initiatives included a Buyeo-gun delegation’s visit to Yantai, an online cultural exchange themed “Enhancing Friendship through Music and Jointly Striving for the Future,” and Yantai’s participation in Buyeo-gun’s Baekje Cultural Festival. These exchanges have continuously fostered a deeper bond between the two cities and laid the foundation for further collaboration.

In his video address, Mr. Gong Haitao, Director of the Information Office of the People’s Government of Yantai, promoted the concept of “Charming Yantai, A Coastal Wonderland.” He underscored the significant collaborative achievements between Yantai and Buyeo-gun over the years, emphasizing that 2024 marks the fifth anniversary of their friendship. Gong expressed his hope that the event would serve as a catalyst for greater communication and cultural exchange, helping to showcase the unique cultural charm of Chinese cities on a global stage. He emphasized the importance of sustained efforts from both governments and their peoples to build a prosperous future through mutual cooperation.

The event also featured speeches by Kim Mira, President of the South Korean International Talent Development Exchange Association, and Park Hyungmo, President of the Korea-China Economy Exchange Association. Both leaders highlighted the deep cultural and historical connections between China and South Korea, dating back to the ancient Silk Road. They reflected on the enduring friendship and collaborative spirit between the two nations, which continues to grow stronger with each passing year. Kim and Park emphasized that the event not only provided a platform for enhancing mutual understanding but also invigorated the broader development of China-South Korea relations.

A significant highlight of the event was the book presentation by Dr. Liu Yuzhi, a Yantai native studying in South Korea. Dr. Liu introduced his book 100 Cities on the Silk Road – A Biography of Yantai to local university students, teachers, and residents, leading an engaging discussion on the rich history and cultural significance of Yantai. Attendees shared their insights and expressed a newfound appreciation for the city’s heritage, with many participants expressing a desire to visit Yantai in the future to further explore its culture and strengthen cultural exchanges between the two cities.

This event serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between Yantai and Buyeo-gun and highlights the ever-expanding cultural and educational ties between China and South Korea. The opening of the “Corner of Chinese Culture” at the Nishan Library is a symbol of this connection and offers a space for future generations to learn about and appreciate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Yantai to global civilization. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, this exchange sets the stage for even deeper collaborations between the two cities and further cultural diplomacy between China and South Korea.