Korea-China Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Finds New Pathways

Heze Cultural and Tourism Liaison Delegation in Korea Holds Symposium with the Institute for the Practice of Philosophy at Kangwon National University

Recently, the Heze Cultural and Tourism Liaison Delegation in Korea(hereinafter referred to as ‘the Delegation’) held a symposium with the Institute for the Practice of Philosophy at Kangwon National University(hereinafter referred to as ‘the Philosophy Institute’) at the College of Humanities on the Chuncheon campus of Kangwon National University. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions focusing on the development of cultural tourism and the establishment of a regular, localized China-Korea exchange mechanism.

The symposium was attended by more than ten participants, including Professor You Sung Seon, Director of the Institute for the Practice of Philosophy at Kangwon National University; Lee Bong Jae, Head of the College of Humanities at Kangwon National University; Dr. Sanjay Kumar from the Gangwon Korean Studies Institute; representatives from foreign media in Korea; as well as young researchers and current master’s and doctoral students from the Department of Philosophy at Kangwon National University.

Zhou Ruifa(周瑞发), a core member of the Delegation and a Heze-born big data researcher based in Korea, began by providing an overview of Heze City’s key developments in socio-economic growth, specialty products, and exchanges with South Korea. He then gave a comprehensive presentation on Heze’s representative industries in the field of cultural tourism, highlighting signature products such as Juye Gongbi Peony Paintings, Peony Stamen Tea, and Hanfu from Caoxian County.

Li Hao(李好), head of the Liaison Delegation and Executive Representative of the ‘China-Korea Sister Cities Exchange Program’ under China Radio International(CRI) Online Shandong Channel, provided a detailed overview of the cultural and tourism exchanges between several cities in Shandong Province and their Korean sister cities. He particularly highlighted Heze’s recent cultural promotion events held in Greece, Egypt, and Seoul, showcasing the city’s dynamic international engagement in the tourism sector. Li emphasized that Heze, known as ‘China’s Peony Capital’, enjoys national recognition for its culturally rich and distinctive industries, such as Juye Gongbi Peony Paintings, Peony Stamen Tea, and Hanfu from Caoxian County. In recent years, these products have also gained popularity in overseas markets.

Li Hao further noted that the cultural and tourism sector in Heze reflects the region’s deep-rooted local traditions, the spirit of Qi-Lu cultures, and Shandong’s legacy as the birthplace of Confucianism. These values strongly resonate with the mission of the Institute for the Practice of Philosophy at Kangwon National University, which emphasizes philosophy in practice and humanities-based public education.

Li Hao proposed that both sides could enhance cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the Chinese and Korean peoples through various activities such as calligraphy and painting exhibitions, tea ceremony appreciation events, Hanfu experience programs, and online cultural seminars. He underscored that these initiatives would play a positive role in establishing an initial and sustainable friendly exchange mechanism between Heze and the Gangwon Province of Korea.

Lee Bong Jae, head of the College of Humanities at Kangwon National University, warmly welcomed the Delegation’s visit. He introduced the philosophy practice values of the Institute for the Practice of Philosophy, cultural activities linked with the local community, and representative cases of humanities-based public education. Lee also praised Heze’s recent impressive cultural and tourism exchanges on various international platforms and expressed sincere approval of the China-Korea cooperation proposals put forward by the Delegation. Furthermore, Lee pointed out that both sides possess abundant cultural resources and, through humanities as a bridge, can jointly explore opportunities for sustainable cooperation.

Professor You Sung Seon, Director of the Institute for the Practice of Philosophy at Kangwon National University and former President of the Korea-China Humanities Association, expressed strong support at the symposium.

He then remarked, “Heze is a city where traditional culture and modern tourism coexist harmoniously. I am deeply impressed by its distinctive industries, represented by Juye Gongbi Paintings, Peony Stamen Tea, and Hanfu from Caoxian County, which possess significant potential for international cultural dissemination. The Institute for the Practice of Philosophy at Kangwon National University will continue to expand its role as a public bridge in Korea-China humanities, and through exchanges with Heze, jointly explore new models of cultural and tourism cooperation between Korea and China."

ⓒHeze Cultural and Tourism Liaison Delegation in Korea holds symposium with the Institute for the Practice of Philosophy at Kangwon National University ⓒLiu Shutong

Finally, the Delegation presented several Gongbi Peony Paintings created by renowned artists from Juye County, Heze, to the Institute for the Practice of Philosophy. They also enjoyed tasting Linyuan Peony Stamen Tea together on-site. The Delegation provided detailed introductions to the symposium guests about the cultural background, historical customs, and unique characteristics of both the Juye Gongbi Peony Paintings and Heze Peony Stamen Tea, earning continuous praise from the onsite participants.

Hwang Seong Tae, a newly admitted master’s student in philosophy at Kangwon National University, also shared his enthusiasm，“Tasting Heze’s Peony Stamen Tea and viewing the exquisite Juye Gongbi Peony Paintings was an unforgettable experience. I look forward to the opportunity to visit Caoxian County in Heze to try on Hanfu. I’ve heard that the mamian skirt(馬面裙) is quite popular among young people in China and abroad, and I’d love to give it a try myself!”

ⓒGroup photo of the Heze Cultural and Tourism Liaison Delegation and the Institute for the Practice of Philosophy at Kangwon National University, holding representative Juye Gongbi Peony Paintings ⓒLiu Shutong

The symposium reached concrete agreements on several key cooperation topics, including the joint operation of China-Korea youth cultural exchange programs, cultural experience initiatives in Heze and philosophy-based tourism content development, the planning of joint China-Korea cultural activities(such as exhibitions, forums, and delegation exchanges), and the establishment of a regular consultation mechanism to ensure sustained communication.

Both parties will take this symposium as an opportunity to launch a pilot cooperation project promoting Hanfu - particularly clothing styles from Cao County, which enjoy high popularity among Chinese and Korean youth. They plan to maintain regular exchanges, implement joint initiatives, and establish long-term communication mechanisms to continuously advance and expand future cooperation.