Recently, a youth cultural exchange delegation from Suwon, South Korea, led by Jeong Yu-jin, arrived at Jinan Youth Palace to embark on a meaningful journey of cultural exchange. This visit not only built a bridge of friendship between the young people of the two regions, but also showcased the rich heritage and unique charm of traditional Chinese culture on a platform of cultural sharing and inheritance.

On the day of their arrival, the Korean youth observed and practiced basic Taijiquan movements, getting a firsthand experience of the elegance and power of Chinese martial arts.

A grand welcome ceremony was then held at Jinan Youth Palace to warmly receive the guests from South Korea. Both sides expressed high expectations and confidence in the future of youth exchanges. As a symbol of deepening friendship, Jinan Youth Palace and the Suwon Youth Foundation exchanged gifts. Youths from both delegations also showcased their talents through performances, further bringing Chinese and Korean young people closer together. At the end of the event, a “buddy pairing” session was held, allowing Korean and Chinese youth to bond more closely. During their stay, they would eat, live, and experience the vibrant life of Jinan together.

On July 9, the exchange group visited the Shandong Museum. The rich collection of exhibits—from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, from historical changes to cultural continuity—fascinated the Korean youth. They listened attentively to the guide and frequently expressed amazement, demonstrating a keen interest in the profoundness of Qilu culture.

Later that afternoon, the group visited the Shandong Art Museum, where they appreciated a variety of contemporary art pieces. The vivid paintings and intricately crafted sculptures left a deep impression on the visitors. Many of them remarked that the visit not only broadened their artistic horizons but also sparked their creative inspiration.

On July 10, the cultural exchange group returned to Jinan Youth Palace to experience intangible cultural heritage practices such as Chinese calligraphy, paper-cutting, and dough sculpting. Through hands-on participation, the Korean youth gained a more intuitive and in-depth understanding of traditional Chinese culture.

The group then toured Daming Lake and Baotu Spring. They were captivated by the picturesque scenery and the gushing springs, and eagerly captured the moments with their cameras. One Korean youth shared, “The natural scenery of Jinan is breathtaking—every corner is filled with the beauty of nature and the charm of Chinese culture.”

On July 11, the delegation traveled to Qufu to visit the Confucius Mansion, Confucius Temple, and Confucius Cemetery. As the birthplace of Confucianism, Qufu holds profound cultural significance. In the Confucius Mansion, the youth appreciated ancient official architecture; in the Confucius Temple, they gained deeper insight into the life of Confucius and the philosophy of Confucianism; and in the Confucius Cemetery, they experienced the deep reverence for ancestors embedded in Chinese traditions. The visit offered them a meaningful understanding of the roots and depth of Confucian thought and Chinese culture.

The cultural exchange visit by the Suwon youth delegation not only fostered friendships among young people from China and South Korea but also strengthened mutual understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures. Through a series of enriching activities, the Korean youth were able to experience the essence of Chinese culture firsthand, contributing a vibrant chapter to the international exchange efforts of Jinan Youth Palace. Looking ahead, Jinan Youth Palace remains committed to promoting cultural dialogue and cooperation, building more platforms for youth to express themselves and explore the world, allowing culture to thrive through exchange and evolve through inheritance.