Mencius and Practical Learning: A New Horizon in Sino-Korean Confucian Cultural Exchange

Park Jeong-eon, the chief curator of the exhibition, explained how he integrated new media technology with contemporary pop art to expand the core Confucian value of 'ren' into an ethical framework for ecological coexistence, drawing significant interest from the Chinese side.[사진=아주글로벌교류협회]

Chinese Mencius Cultural Center in Jining and the Korean Confucian Culture Promotion Institute held an online video conference on June 16 to discuss the modern value of Confucian culture and ways to inherit East Asian practical learning thought.

The meeting included officials from Jining and Zhouqing cities, researchers from the Mencius Cultural Center, as well as researchers from the Korean Confucian Culture Promotion Institute and practical learning scholars, who shared cultural heritage and academic achievements from both countries.

The Korean side introduced the ongoing special exhibition "THE CONNECTOR: Expanding Worldviews," explaining how it reinterprets the practical learning thought of the Joseon Dynasty through modern art and new media technology. The exhibition is characterized by its expression of the core Confucian value of 'ren' as an ecological value that promotes coexistence among humans, nature, and society.

[Photo=China Shandong Network]

The Chinese side introduced the spirit of Mencius's governance and practical reform thoughts, outlining the formation and development of the East Asian practical learning tradition. They particularly highlighted the influence of Mencius's ideas on the scholarship and social reform thoughts of Korean practical learning scholars, emphasizing their modern significance and broadening the academic exchange between the two countries.

Participants agreed that Confucianism and practical learning are not merely historical legacies but can provide new insights into various challenges faced by contemporary society. They also expressed their intention to expand cooperation in various fields, including academic research, exhibitions, cultural tourism, and private exchanges, as a result of this exchange.

Both institutions plan to continue their ongoing exchanges through traditional culture to widely promote the value of East Asian cultural heritage and create a forward-looking cooperation model.

* This article has been translated by AI.

CHOI KO BONG kbchoi@ajunews.com