2025-02-26
On February 17, the "Spring Water" Cultural Experience Series for the "Chinese Bridge" 2025 Winter Camp Group from the Confucius Institute at Woosuk University in South Korea was successfully held in Jinan. The event was hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Education, organized by Shandong Normal University, and supported by the Jinan International Communication Center. Young students from the Confucius Institute at Woosuk University followed the pathways of the city's springs, embarking on a cultural dialogue that spanned a thousand years.
At Baotu Spring Scenic Area, the campers were amazed by the surging flow of the three crystal-clear springs. Korean students from Seoul and other cities eagerly captured the "First Spring Under Heaven" with their selfie sticks, enchanted by the way the koi fish in the spring pool and the reflections of pavilions combined into an ink-painting-like scene. Stepping into the Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall beside Shuyu Spring, they engaged in the classic "Flying Flower Order" poetry game, bringing ancient verses to life. In their slightly hesitant Chinese, they recited the famous line "Do you know? Do you know?", immersing themselves in the rhythmic elegance of Song dynasty poetry.
Moving to Quancheng Square, the cultural experience shifted from passive observation to hands-on interaction. Korean students accepted colorful silk ribbons from local residents and joined in the lively square dance. At first, their dragon dance movements were clumsy, but under the patient guidance of experienced Jinan performers, they quickly improved. This cultural exchange, breaking the barriers of age and nationality, infused traditional folk arts with new vitality that transcends time and space.
Though they did not witness the "lotus on all sides, willows on three" summer scenery, the "study tour classroom" by Daming Lake offered its own charm. Under the sweeping eaves of Chaoran Tower, students analyzed the intricate dougong brackets, while stone tablets inscribed with ancient poetry by the lakeside told stories of the past. With vivid explanations from expert teachers, the campers envisioned the poetic imagery of "misty mountains stretching like a painted scroll" through the sparse winter branches. Park Jae-hwan from Busan was particularly intrigued by how the plaques on the island's pavilions reflected the principles of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, deepening his appreciation for China's architectural wisdom. "This journey feels like opening a three-dimensional cultural encyclopedia," remarked Kim Hee-chun, a South Korean student.
A representative from the School of International Education at Shandong Normal University stated that more experiential courses will be designed in the future, allowing language learning to extend beyond textbooks into real-life scenarios. By establishing a regular exchange mechanism, cultural interactions will become a continuous source of inspiration and growth for young people from both countries.