East Asian Nations Deepen Cultural Exchange Programs

Intermediate | July 13, 2025

✨ 혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

A New Era of Cultural Cooperation

Launching a Trilateral Vision

South Korea and Japan are actively expanding their cultural exchange programs, often working together with China. This collaboration is a core part of the growing East Asian cultural exchange initiative. This increased cooperation follows important agreements made in late 2024 and early 2025, marking a significant step towards stronger regional ties.

At a trilateral meeting in May 2024, China, Japan, and South Korea officially decided to name 2025 and 2026 as the “China-Japan-South Korea Cultural Exchange Year.” This decision laid the groundwork for many exciting events and collaborations across the region.

Opening Ceremonies and Cultural Showcases

South Korea officially launched the 2025-26 cultural exchange year with Japan and China at a special ceremony held in Tokyo on April 14, 2025. The culture ministry confirmed that they are planning year-round programs. Additionally, they held an opening ceremony for the 2025-26 East Asian cultural city in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do Province, on April 25, 2025. This event proudly featured traditional performing arts from all three nations.

Building Bridges Through East Asian Cultural Exchange

A Diverse Range of Cultural Activities

These wide-ranging East Asian cultural exchange initiatives cover various fields, including music, exhibitions, sports, and tourism. South Korea plans to showcase traditional musical performances, Go matches, and exhibitions by young fine artists. Japan and China will also host programs, particularly focusing on youth exchanges like concerts featuring young musicians. Several cities have been designated as “East Asian cultural cities” for 2025, including Anseong (South Korea), Huzhou and Macao (China), and Kamakura (Japan). These cities will host special events, from traditional performing arts festivals to food contests.

Strengthening Bilateral Cultural Ties

Beyond the trilateral framework, bilateral cooperation is also strengthening. On June 15, 2025, the Japan Arts Council and the Busan National Gugak Center of South Korea signed a “Basic Agreement for Mutual Cooperation.” This agreement specifically aims to boost cultural exchanges, especially in traditional performing arts, helping to deepen understanding and pave the way for future joint projects.

Diplomacy and Cultural Collaboration

While not directly cultural, a recent Yonhap News Agency report on June 18, 2025, mentioned that South Korea and Japan agreed to work more closely with the United States on regional geopolitical issues. This broader diplomatic engagement often helps to support and encourage cultural connections, showing how culture can play a role in overall international relations.

Toward a More Connected East Asia

These expanded cultural exchanges are expected to foster greater understanding and friendship among the people of South Korea, Japan, and China, leading to a more connected and cooperative East Asia.

Vocabulary

designate (verb): To officially choose or name someone or something for a special purpose.
- Example: “They decided to designate 2025 as a year for cultural exchange.”
encompass (verb): To include a wide range of ideas, subjects, etc.
- Example: “The programs will encompass music, art, and sports.”
foster (verb): To help something to develop over a period of time.
- Example: “These exchanges aim to foster greater understanding.”
initiative (noun): An important new plan or process to achieve a particular aim or to solve a particular problem.
- Example: “The new cultural initiative began last month.”
bilateral (adjective): Involving two groups or countries.
- Example: “The two countries signed a bilateral agreement.”
framework (noun): A set of beliefs, ideas, or rules that something is based on.
- Example: “The cooperation operates within a trilateral framework.”
facilitate (verb): To make an action or a process possible or easier.
- Example: “The agreement will facilitate future collaborative projects.”
geopolitical (adjective): Relating to politics and the influence of geography on the political relations between countries.
- Example: “They discussed geopolitical crises in the region.”
underpin (verb): To support or form the basis of an argument, a system, etc.
- Example: “Broader diplomatic engagement often underpins cultural ties.”
resumption (noun): The act of beginning again after an interruption.
- Example: “The article talks about the resumption of cultural programs.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is the main goal of the cultural exchange programs mentioned in the article?
Which years have been designated as the China-Japan-South Korea Cultural Exchange Year?
Can you name some of the specific fields or activities included in these cultural initiatives?
What was the purpose of the “Basic Agreement for Mutual Cooperation” signed on June 15, 2025?
How do cultural ties relate to broader diplomatic engagement, according to the article?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why do you think cultural exchange programs are important between countries?
What kind of cultural exchange would you be most interested in participating in?
How can cultural understanding help prevent or resolve conflicts between nations?
Besides the programs mentioned, what other ways can countries promote cultural exchange?
Do you think your country could benefit from more cultural exchange with other nations? Why or why not?

Related Idiom

Build bridges

Meaning: To improve relationships between people or groups who are different or who have disagreed.
Example: “Cultural exchange programs truly help countries to build bridges of understanding.”

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This article was inspired by: Yonhap News | July 9, 2025