Immersive South Korean Study Tour: Enhancing Global Perspectives and Cultivating Creative Cultural Intellect

    A total of 26 students and staff from the Department of Communication and the Department of Film Television and New Media traveled to South Korea for a study tour, immersing themselves in the overseas culture while enhancing professional skills in journalism and the cultural industry. They visited two universities and four key media and artistic venues, including film archives, broadcasting stations, and a technology company, providing diverse learning opportunities for students from various majors.


    Group photo at Kyunghee University


    Upon their arrival in South Korea, the group embarked on their first visit to renowned academic institutions including Kyunghee University and Korea National University of Arts. They received a comprehensive introduction to the campus development and program settings, gaining deeper insights into how these majors are cultivated in South Korea. Through discussions, the students also explored the role of AI in artistic creation and news reporting, obtaining a clearer picture of technological advancements shaping the industry.


    Professor Sangwon Lee, Chair of the Department of Media at Kyunghee University, provided an informative presentation on the university's rich history and diverse programs.


    Professor Kiwon Hong, Director of Arts Management at the Korea National University of Arts, guided students on a campus tour and showcased the university's theatre.


    Mr. Seungpyo Kang, Manager of the Art and Technology Lab, demonstrated their AI productions to students at the Korea National University of Arts.


    On the second day, the group visited the Korean Film Archive, delving into its rich history and impact on Korean and international film cultures. They also toured the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), South Korea’s most historic public service broadcaster, where they learned about its evolution and programming, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the broadcasting industry.


    Mr. Jun Young Yang from the Korean Film Archive's Strategic Planning Team, briefed the students about the Archive's history and guided them through the film screening hall.


    Mr. Yeontae Seong, a technician on the Korean Film Archive's Collection and Preservation Team, showed the students how to store and maintain films properly.


    A student experimented with the equipment during the hands-on experience at KBS.



    Students and staff experienced the process of hosting a weather forecast at KBS.


    On Day 3, the group explored notable cultural landmarks, allowing students to experience local Korean culture, including the Seoul Museum of Art and the Presseum. The Seoul Museum of Art, a dynamic cultural hub, exhibits a rich mix of contemporary interactive art, timeless classics from Korean artists, and distinctive feminist art, attracting a diverse demographic of visitors.


    Group photo at Seoul Museum of Art


    The Presseum, located in the Donga Media Center, provides a comprehensive overview of South Korean journalism and its dynamic interaction with other East Asian nations. Yining Chen, a Media and Communication Studies student, found the visit impactful, gaining significant insights into local Korean journalism and its ties with China. This visit enriched students’ understanding of journalism in an international context.

    Led by Curator Ms. Haelim Jang, students gained insights into the history of Korean journalism and the workings of printing machines during their tour at the Presseum.


    The Presseum exhibits a collection of newspapers from around the world, all published in the year 2000.


    The final day was spent at the NAVER, South Korea’s leading search engine company, exploring its products and getting more information about technological research and application.


    A guided tour was arranged at NAVER, where students were shown around the company.


    Students found the study tour highly beneficial and expressed expectations to participate in more overseas activities organized by the college to expand their global vision and improve their professional skills.


    Reporter: Themis Chen

    Photos provided by Rick Ruiling Rao

    Editor: Ariana Chan

    Last Updated:Nov 18, 2024