Global Leadership Experience and Korean Cultural Immersion for 200 International Students

The "2025 APEC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS SIMULATION SUMMIT" co-hosted by Dongguk University WISE Campus and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, with support from the Ministry of Education and Gyeongju City, was successfully held from August 25-27 across multiple venues including Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Office, Commodore Hotel Gyeongju, and various locations throughout Gyeongju City.

This significant event was organized as part of the Gyeongsangbuk-do RISE (Regional Innovation System for Education) project's APEC-linked support program. Over 200 international students from APEC member economies currently studying in Korea participated in this meaningful experience that broadened their understanding of international diplomacy and regional culture through hands-on summit simulation.

✨ Opening Ceremony: Launch of Future Leaders

The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from President Ryu Wan-ha of Dongguk University WISE Campus and Vice Governor Kim Hak-hong of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, followed by congratulatory speeches from distinguished guests. The event officially began with an enthusiastic "APEC 2025 KOREA" support performance that energized participants with thunderous applause.

🏛️ Experiencing Real Summit Diplomacy

On the second day, participants engaged in the mock summit where they took on roles as national leaders, debating global issues and ultimately adopting a joint resolution reflecting their discussions. Prior orientation sessions and preparatory meetings allowed students to identify key agenda items and share background knowledge, providing them with authentic international conference experience.

🎤 Special Stage: Korean Speaking Contest

The Korean Speaking Contest finals, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, showcased international students selected through preliminaries across 13 local governments. Participants demonstrated their Korean language proficiency with clear pronunciation and confident presentations, their eyes reflecting the passion that "learning in Korea shapes my future."

🏯 Discovering the Charm of Korean Culture

Equally meaningful as the summit sessions were the cultural experience programs:

• Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Office Tour: Learning about Korea's local governance system
• Andong Traditional Culture Experience: Hands-on engagement with Korean heritage
• K-Culture Gala Dinner: Experiencing the fervor of the Korean Wave
• Gyeongju Cultural Exploration: Immersing in the history and culture of the millennium-old ancient capital

These experiences left international students with "unforgettable memories from Korea."

🎬 Moving Finale

The closing ceremony featured a highlight video capturing three days of activities, followed by heartfelt testimonials from participants. The joint resolution, recited by all participants together, filled the venue with the powerful message: "We are the future global leaders."

👤 Organizer's Message

Professor Lee Young-chan from Dongguk University WISE Campus, who planned the event, stated:

"This simulation summit, connected to the achievements of the Gyeongsangbuk-do RISE project, provided international students with international stage experience while offering the region an opportunity to showcase Korea's charm and culture to the world. We will continue to prepare for the Post-APEC era by sustaining programs that promote global exchange and regional community coexistence."

🌏 Dongguk WISE Campus: Expanding Global Reach

Through this event, Dongguk University WISE Campus reaffirmed its status as a global campus. Additionally, Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongju are advancing as centers of academic and cultural exchange in the global arena while preparing for APEC 2025 alongside international students.

The "2025 APEC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS SIMULATION SUMMIT" will be recorded as a representative achievement of Gyeongsangbuk-do RISE, going beyond simple experience to simultaneously achieve future talent development and regional advancement.

Event Highlights:

• Participants: 200+ international students from APEC member economies
• Duration: 3 days (August 25-27, 2025)
• Venues: Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Office, Commodore Hotel Gyeongju, Gyeongju City
• Key Programs: Summit simulation, Korean speaking contest, cultural immersion experiences
• Organizers: Dongguk University WISE Campus & Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
• Supporters: Ministry of Education & Gyeongju City

 🎬 Event highlight video (Click)