The Korea Foundation and the Sungkyun Institute of China Studies co-organized a ceremony which was held on April 15 at the KF Global Center in Seoul to launch the second Forum for 100 Chinese Graduate Students in Korea.

The forum is designed to consolidate a close-knit and supportive environment for Korea in the Chinese student community in Korea by enhancing a positive understanding of Korea among leading students currently enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree courses in Korean universities. The forum is comprised of lectures by experts in Korean culture, history and society; visits to government organizations and government-operated corporations; a study tour to Jeju Island; and cultural activities held throughout Korea.

Participants for the second forum were recruited in March. The recruitment process attracted significant attention among Chinese students studying in Korea by being spread via word of mouth. The 100 participants of the second forum are enrolled at 30 universities (21 in Seoul/Gyeonggi area, nine in provincial cities), an increase from 21 universities in 2018. Participants included 17 students from seven ethnic minority groups, including Manchu and Mongol.

The launch ceremony on April 15 was attended by President Sihyung Lee of the Korea Foundation, Director Hee Ok Lee of the Sungkyun Institute of China Studies, President Nian Chen of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Korea, and forum participants. The 100 Chinese graduate students attended a lecture by Director Lee on Korea-China relations and the mission of young people and visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a briefing on the current status of bilateral relations by Deputy Director-General Lim Si-heung of the Northeast Asian Affairs Bureau.