Taking place from July 13 to 19, the delegation of students from the National Economics University completed the 2026 Korean Cultural Exchange Program (DSU Korean Cultural Experience Program) at Dongseo University (Busan, South Korea). The trip not only provided an opportunity to access an international educational environment and explore the unique values of Korean culture but also helped students accumulate practical knowledge, develop skills, expand global thinking, and enhance integration capabilities. The experiences throughout the program will be invaluable assets for the students to continue personal development and confidently seize future educational and career opportunities.

Students receive certificates of program completion issued by Dongseo University

From the beginning, students participated in an orientation program to learn about Dongseo University and the international learning environment in Busan. With modern facilities, a dynamic learning space, and a multicultural environment, Dongseo University offers NEU students the opportunity to directly experience the teaching methods of a leading university in South Korea, while also providing conditions for them to interact and connect with international faculty members and students.

Students visit the Dongseo University Library

Within the framework of the program, students participated in Korean communication classes organized by the Institute of Korean Language Education (IKLE) at Dongseo University. In addition to equipping students with basic language knowledge for daily communication, the classes also helped them better understand the cultural etiquette, customs, and lifestyle of Korean people. Interspersed with these were academic seminars and exchange activities with Dongseo University faculty members and students, offering them a multidimensional perspective on education, society, and the learning environment in the context of international integration.

Students visit the studio at Dongseo University

Students participate in basic Korean communication classes

Students participate in a workshop on making handcrafted keychains

One of the highlights of the program is a series of cultural experience activities designed with diversity, harmoniously combining tradition and modernity. Students participated in K-Pop dance classes, Taekwondo, and traditional Korean handicraft accessory making. Through these highly interactive activities, they not only explored the distinctive beauty of Korean culture but also honed their communication skills, teamwork abilities, and confidence when engaging in activities in a multicultural environment.

Busan History Museum

Students Experience Learning at Chungnyeolsa Cultural Center

Chungnyeolsa Cultural Center

Notably, during the program, the group of students had the opportunity to experience Korean Constitution Day (제헌절 – Jeheonjeol) on July 17th – the anniversary of the promulgation of the first Constitution of the Republic of Korea. Through the insights shared by lecturers and students from Dongseo University about the significance of the holiday, they gained a deeper understanding of the formation of democracy, the rule of law, and the important historical values in South Korea’s development. Studying and living during the holiday provided students with a more authentic perspective on the social and cultural life of the host country, making the exchange journey more meaningful and memorable.

Students Experience Korean Tea Ceremony Culture

Alongside their academic activities, the student delegation also visited Busan, South Korea’s largest port city, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic development. The journey took them to Chungnyeolsa, Busan Museum, Huinnyeoul Culture Village, and the National Maritime Museum. Here, students donned Hanbok, experienced traditional Gugak music, learned about tea ceremony etiquette, and explored the unique cultural values that contribute to the identity of the Land of Kimchi. These tours not only helped students gain a deeper understanding of Korean history and culture but also expanded their knowledge, fostering a spirit of exploration and adaptability in an international environment.

Throughout the program, the group of students from the National Economics University received thoughtful hospitality and dedicated support from Dongseo University. From organizational tasks, academic support to cultural exchange activities, everything was meticulously prepared, showcasing professionalism and the increasingly strong collaborative relationship between the two universities. The friendliness and hospitality of the lecturers, staff, and volunteers at Dongseo University left a lasting positive impression on each member of the group.

The most valuable aspect of the program lies not only in the new knowledge or the places visited but also in the personal growth of each student. After a week of studying and experiencing in Korea, they developed independence, adaptability to new environments, intercultural communication skills, teamwork, and integration thinking. These are all essential competencies for young human resources in the context of globalization and the ongoing digital transformation.

The Korean Cultural Exchange Program at Dongseo University is one of the annual international collaboration activities between the National Economics University and partner universities, contributing to the realization of the University’s education internationalization strategy. Through exchange and international interaction programs, students not only access advanced educational systems but also cultivate integration capabilities, global thinking, and the resilience of young citizens in an increasingly connected world.

Concluding the journey in Busan, each member of the group brought back valuable lessons, new friends, and unforgettable experiences. These will be meaningful assets on each student’s path to maturity, providing motivation for them to continue learning, training, and conquering new opportunities in the future.

Article and Photos: International Collaboration Department