Model youth from Gwangju, South Korea, have broadened their global perspectives by visiting independence movement sites and industrial and educational locations in China and the United States.
The Gwangju Integrated Special City announced on August 14 that 14 local model youth participated in the '2026 Model Youth Overseas Study Program' at the invitation of overseas associations of Honam expatriates.
This overseas study aimed to provide future leaders with firsthand experiences of historical, cultural, and industrial sites abroad, enhancing their international outlook and pride in their hometown.
Eight model youth and their chaperone visited Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong as part of the itinerary organized by the Chinese Honam Association.
The students explored independence-related sites such as the Whampoa Military Academy and Dongshan Baiyuan, reflecting on the sacrifices made by their ancestors for national sovereignty.
They also visited local companies, including Hyundai Motor Group's HTWO Guangzhou, KUKA, and ORANSI, as well as Shenzhen Polytechnic, to observe the rapidly changing industrial and educational landscape in China. In Hong Kong, they engaged in activities to experience the region's history and culture.
At the invitation of the American Honam Association, six model youth and their chaperone traveled to the United States, visiting New York, Maryland, and Philadelphia.
The students toured prestigious universities such as Yale and Columbia, and visited Wall Street and the United Nations headquarters to gain insights into global politics, economics, and education.
They also explored the history of Korean immigration and the independence movement, visiting the grave of Byun Soo, known as the first Korean student abroad, the Korean Empire Consulate in the U.S., and the Seo Jae-pil Memorial Park, reflecting on the significance of their ancestors' overseas activities and Korea-U.S. exchanges.
The overseas invitation program by the Honam expatriate associations has been consistently providing international experiences for the future generations of their hometown.
The American Honam Association's overseas study program began in 2001 and has seen 306 youth participate over 23 sessions to date. The Chinese Honam Association's invitation program has been conducted three times since 2020, with a total of 25 participants.
The World Honam Association Federation is also contributing to the overseas exchange and talent development of local youth. From 2017 to 2025, it has provided a total of 450 million won in hometown love scholarships to 680 individuals.
One student who participated in the China visit remarked, "I was very impressed by the rapid development I witnessed in China, and I want to use this experience to pursue my dreams on a global stage."
Shin Hyun-gon, the International Cooperation Officer of Gwangju Integrated Special City, expressed gratitude to the overseas Honam associations for providing opportunities for local youth to experience the world and for supporting talent growth through scholarships. He added, "We will continue to expand international exchange opportunities for youth based on our network with overseas Honam associations."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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