RCE Inje - 2024

Cultural Exchange Between South Korea and Japan for Northeast Asian Peace
Basic Information
Title of project : 
Cultural Exchange Between South Korea and Japan for Northeast Asian Peace
Submitting RCE: 
RCE Inje
Date of submission:
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Does this project link to any education and/or sustainable development policy or policies?: 
No
Geographical & Education Information
Region: 
Asia-Pacific
Country: 
Korea, South
Location(s): 
inje,Kangwon-do
Ecosystem(s):
Agricultural, Forest, Fresh water, Grassland, Mountain, Urban/Peri-urban, Wetlands
Target Audience:
Community
Students from other countries
Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the area : 
During the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, Inje County was a battleground, and it remains a disconnected area where North and South Korea confront each other with the demilitarized zone (DMZ) at its center. Inje County is situated at a significant ecological intersection where the Baekdudaegan mountain range and the DMZ intersect on the Korean Peninsula. Due to military reasons, geographical location, and natural conditions, development activities have been restricted, making it one of the areas in Korea with the highest biodiversity and richness in ecosystems.
With a population density of fewer than 20 people per square kilometer, it serves as a representative area for the ecological system in South Korea. Inje County is characterized as a mountain village (산촌학교). It boasts the highest oxygen content nationwide, and the water quality of the 19 rivers utilized for tap water is exceptionally good, with 18 locations rated as very good and one location as good. It is a pristine area with clean air and water.
To experience such a natural environment, Inje County attracts over a million tourists annually. It is home to Seoraksan National Park, the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Korea, and significant sites such as Daam Mountain Wetland, the first Ramsar Wetland in Korea, the DMZ, pine tree forests, and Baekdamsa Temple.
Description of sustainable development challenge(s) in the area the project addresses: 
South Korea, geographically adjacent to China, Japan, and Russia, has been significantly influenced by these regions over the past centuries. Since the Korean War, the division between North and South Korea has led to 70 years of enduring animosity and a confrontational framework. Conflicts have intensified due to historical and territorial issues with Japan, reinterpretation of Article 9 of Japan's Peace Constitution allowing for the exercise of the right to self-defense and potential military engagement, and other factors. Moreover, issues like historical perceptions related to Northeast Asia, conflicts on the Korean Peninsula due to the deployment of THAAD, and tensions in the South China Sea between Taiwan and China pose threats to peace in Northeast Asia.

As tensions and crises escalate among Northeast Asian countries, it is crucial for citizen exchanges to promote peace. It is a time to recognize the global community of shared life on Earth, fostering an awareness of living together. Collaborative efforts should be directed towards contemplating the coexistence of humanity through peace among nations and sustainable development in the region.
Contents
Status: 
Ongoing
Period: 
January, 2016
Objectives: 
Enhance mutual understanding and foster friendships through exchanges between students and citizens of South Korea and Japan.
Learn about and actively engage in promoting social sustainability in areas such as the environment, ecology, and peace.
Utilize successful examples to propose public policies that benefit a large number of citizens.
Activities and/or practices employed: 
1. Cultural Exchange Among South Korean and Japanese Students and Citizens
Youth Exchange
1st: 16 students from Wontong High School in 2016
2nd: 6 students from Shinnam High School in 2017
3rd: 7 students from Inje High School in February 2018
4th: 3 students from Inje High School in September 2018
5th: 3 students from Inje High School in December 2018
6th: 10 students from Inje High School in December 2018
7th: 4 students from Kirin High School in January 2019
8th: 16 students from Shinnam High School in May 2019
9th: 17 students from Shinnam High School in July 2019
10th: 3 students from Inje High School in December 2019
11th: 6 students from Yongdae Elementary School in October 2023
12th: 19 students from Sangnam Middle School in October 2023

Resident Exchange
1st: November 2013 - 8 members from Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council
2nd: February 2014 - 2 members from Inje RCE
3rd: February 2016 - 7 members from Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council
4th: June 2016 - 7 members from Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council
5th: October 2016 - 8 members from Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council
6th: March 2017 - 5 members from Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council
7th: November 2017 - 12 members from Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council
8th: November 2017 - 12 members from Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council
9th: June 2018 - 15 members from Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council
10th: March 2019 - 7 members from Inje RCE
11th: October 2019 - 14 members from Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council
12th: January 2020 - 6 members from Inje RCE
13th: November 2022 - 14 members from Inje RCE
14th: July 2023 - 7 members from Inje RCE
15th: August 2023 - 6 members from Inje RCE
16th: August 2023 - 7 members from Inje RCE
17th: August 2023 - 12 members from Inje RCE

Other Exchanges
Exchange for Korean Dispatched Public Officials:
Visits to Japanese organic farming facilities (2 times)
Participation in the 2018 and 2019 Korea-Japan Peace Tours (Yonsei University to Waseda University)
2023 Korea-Japan Teacher Dialogue, visit to Inje, and youth exchange
Size of academic audience: 
- Through exchanges with Inje RCE, Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council in Japan, and other organizations, the number of individuals engaged in communication is at least 1,000.
Results: 
The message of peace between South Korea and Japan has spread through youth exchanges, and consistent interactions have taken place from 2016 to 2019. As misunderstandings and perceptions of Korea positively changed, schools such as Fukuoka Women's Academy initiated short-term study programs, allowing youth from Inje to participate as students. Parents warmly welcomed Korean youth, treating them like their own children and hosting homestay programs.

The Japanese schools involved in connecting with Inje's youth include Fukuoka Women's Academy (Fukuoka), Meiji Gakuin School (Fukuoka), Hibiki High School (Kitakyushu), Tokai High School (Munakata), and Kitakyushu UNESCO School. Through these connections, youth selected from all high schools in Inje had the opportunity to engage in exchanges with Japanese youth.
Key messages: 
In 2018, when the relations between South Korea and Japan rapidly deteriorated due to issues such as forced labor compensation, there was a surge in anti-Japanese sentiment. There was a nationwide atmosphere inclined towards boycotting Japanese products and restricting travel. In this context, many people, including teachers at local Japanese schools, questioned why someone from Korea would visit Japan during such a tense period.

During that time, a Korean student responded to the question, stating, "As tension escalates between our countries, it becomes even more crucial for youth and citizens to create peaceful relations through exchanges. Despite facing criticism for coming here, I came to meet my Japanese friends." This response touched many people deeply.
Relationship to other RCE activities: 
Inje RCE maintains regular exchanges and receives assistance from the Kitakyushu Sustainable Development Council.
Funding: 
The exchange activities between South Korea and Japan have been conducted with the funding from various sources, including the school's budget, the village scholarship association, individual contributions (50%), municipal budgets, and the budget of RCE Inje.
Update: 
No
I acknowledge the above: 
Yes