YU Takes First Step in International Exchange with Leading U.S. Think Tank, The Korea Society

Special Lecture by President CHOI Oe-chool: “Korea and the U.S. Future Generations Should Work Together to Build a Safer and Happier World”

[April 6, 2026]

<American High School Students Experiencing Korea’s Traditional Coming-of-Age Ceremonies at Ssangsongjeong in the Folk Village of Yeungnam University>

 Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has taken its first step in international exchange cooperation with The Korea Society, a leading American private think tank dedicated to Korea–U.S. relations.

 On April 1, as the inaugural exchange event, 24 American public high school juniors and seniors visited YU and participated in a unique cultural program at Ssangsongjeong in the university’s on-campus folk village. There, they experienced Korea’s traditional coming-of-age ceremonies—Gwallye (冠禮) for men and Gyerye (筓禮) for women.Wearing traditional ceremonial attire such as dangui and dopo, along with jokduri and gat, the students followed traditional Korean etiquette, performed formal rites, and received their courtesy names (ja), symbolizing adulthood. Through this immersive experience, they reflected on social responsibility and life goals while gaining a deeper understanding of Korean culture.

 The event was organized part of “Project Bridge,” a flagship educational program of The Korea Society.as  Launched in 1993, Project Bridge aims to enhance understanding of Korea by selecting outstanding high school students from major U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Montana as “Youth Ambassadors.” Over the course of a year, participants engage in Korean language study, workshops on Korean society and culture, research and presentations, and a 9-night, 10-day study tour in Korea, culminating in community presentations back in the United States.  

 East Kaufhold, an 11th-grade student from Brooklyn High School who received the courtesy name “Sumyeong” (秀明) during the ceremony, said, “I’m truly happy to have taken part in such a meaningful coming-of-age ceremony and to receive a special name at YU’s folk village surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom. My love for Korea has deepened, and I will do my best to share what I have seen and felt with my community when I return.”  

<President CHOI Oe-chool Delivering a Special Lecture to American High School Students Visiting YU as Part of The Korea Society’s Project Bridge Program>

 Prior to the ceremony, President CHOI Oe-chool personally delivered a special lecture to the visiting students.Drawing from his own experiences, he explained the historical relationship between Korea and the United States, receiving enthusiastic responses from the audience. He particularly highlighted the evolution of Korea–U.S. relations since the Korean War, as well as Korea’s remarkable transformation from one of the world’s poorest nations after the war into a developed country. He also introduced the Saemaul Undong, widely regarded as one of the key driving forces behind this transformation, capturing the students’ strong interest.

 During the lecture, President CHOI stated, “I belong to the generation that has witnessed Korea’s remarkable journey from one of the poorest countries after the Korean War to a developed nation today. Through that experience, I have come to dream of a world where no child suffers from hunger.” He continued, “Under the slogan ‘Toward a Safer and Happier World,’ YU is making practical efforts as a university. If Korea and the United States continue to cooperate based on trust, and if YU fulfills its role as an educational institution in cultivating talents who contribute to the prosperity of humanity, I believe we can create a world where more people live happy lives. I hope the students here today will join in this vision and effort.” His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause. 

 In response, Linda Tobash, who led the delegation as Senior Education Advisor at The Korea Society, said, “We are deeply grateful to Yeungnam University for providing students with memories they will cherish for a lifetime. The materials shared by President CHOI during his lecture, reflecting Korea’s history and lived experiences, hold special meaning for me. I served in Korea as a Peace Corps volunteer for three years starting in 1976, when the Saemaul Undong was in full swing. I personally witnessed the dedication and energy of the Korean people, which I believe became the driving force behind today’s Republic of Korea.” She added, “Through today’s experience at YU, students have gained a much deeper understanding of what they have learned about Korea over the past year. We have also been teaching about the Saemaul Undong and the leadership of Park Chung-hee, and I am confident that President CHOI’s lecture resonated deeply with them. We hope this visit will serve as a starting point for developing a wider range of educational and cultural exchange programs with YU.”

The Korea Society was established in 1957 by prominent figures from Korea and the United States, including General James A. Van Fleet, who served as commander of the U.S. Eighth Army during the Korean War, with the aim of strengthening Korea–U.S. relations. Based in New York, it is widely recognized as a leading private think tank promoting bilateral exchange across policy, education, and cultural sectors. 

The Korean government has also valued the organization’s symbolic significance and global network. During a visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly last year, First Lady KIM Hye-kyung attended an event hosted by The Korea Society and engaged with future generations of the Korean diaspora. In February this year, Foreign Minister CHO Hyun also met with a delegation from the organization to discuss ways to enhance Korea–U.S. cooperation, underscoring its role as a trusted private bridge between the two countries. 

<American High School Students Walking Along the Cherry Blossom Path on the YU Campus Wearing Traditional Korean Attire>

 President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “I hope that the education and experiences at YU will not remain a one-time visit to Korea, but will serve as an opportunity for future generations of Korea and the United States to understand and learn from each other’s values and historical contexts.” He added, We hope that this first step with The Korea Society will lead to the continuous expansion of exchange activities that contribute not only to both institutions but also to Korea–U.S. friendship and shared global prosperity.“ In particular, by cultivating talent based on Saemaul Studies—which systematizes the Saemaul Undong—we aim to work together in addressing global challenges such as poverty reduction and climate change.”

 Meanwhile, building on this initial exchange with The Korea Society, YU plans to develop a sustainable international cooperation model centered on future generations.  Meanwhile, building on this initial exchange with The Korea Society, YU plans to develop a sustainable international cooperation model centered on future generations.