Co-hosted by Gochang Bukgo Confucius Classroom and Honam University Confucius Institute, the competition drew more than 20 teams of elementary, middle and high school students
The 9th Jeolla Millennium Chinese Speech Contest, co-hosted by the Confucius Classroom at Gochang Bukgo High School in North Jeolla Province and the Confucius Institute at Honam University, was held June 13 at the multipurpose hall of the school's international building.
The event was sponsored by the North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education, the Gochang-gun Office of Education, the Chinese Consulate General in Gwangju and Gochang-gun. Held annually to promote Korean-Chinese cultural exchange and strengthen youth capabilities, the competition has become a leading regional education festival.
More than 20 teams of elementary, middle and high school students from across the country competed, delivering presentations on topics of their choice related to China. Chinese Consul General in Gwangju Gu Jingqi attended as a guest of honor, observing the competition and encouraging the young participants.
After rigorous judging, the grand prize — the North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province Superintendent of Education Award — went to Jung Ha-yun of Jeonbuk Foreign Language High School in the middle and high school division and Han Chae-won of Jeonju Onbit Elementary School in the elementary division. The gold prize, the Chinese Consul General in Gwangju Award, went to Jo Seo-yeon of Jeonbuk Foreign Language High School in the middle and high school division and An Seo-yun of Hwasan Elementary School in the elementary division.
Gochang Bukgo has pursued systematic Chinese language and culture education since 2004. In 2019, following approval from China's Ministry of Education, it established the Gochang Bukgo Confucius Classroom as an affiliate of Honam University's Confucius Institute. The school now leads differentiated talent development through international exchange classes overseen by the North Jeolla Office of Education and programs designed to meet student demand for Chinese language education.
"The Jeolla Millennium Chinese Speech Contest has now reached its ninth edition and established itself as a genuine gateway for cultivating global talent," Principal Im Dong-gyun said. "I am grateful to Consul General Gu Jingqi for making the journey to reinforce the spirit of Korean-Chinese friendship, and to all participants for showcasing their remarkable abilities."
Im said the school would continue to develop high-level Chinese language and culture programs centered on the Confucius Classroom, fulfilling its role as a firm base for training the global professionals who will lead the future.
sij@heraldcorp.com
