To promote international understanding among high school students in Gyeongsangbuk-do, the NEAR Secretariat dispatched four staff members—including Mongolia and Russia specialists and resident officers—to conduct a special education session titled “Understanding Mongolia and Russia” at Gyeongbuk Foreign Language High School in Gumi on May 9. The session was attended by approximately 120 students and featured an introduction to the Association of North East Asia Regional Governments (NEAR), followed by a Q&A segment.
The Mongolia session covered the characteristics of the Mongolian language, universities in Korea offering Mongolian studies, career paths related to Mongolia, relevant communities, and recommended Mongolian films. The Russia session introduced general information about the country, addressed common misconceptions, and explained the process for studying in Russia.
Particularly noteworthy was the fact that all the specialists and officers were native speakers, allowing them to provide vivid cultural insights and practical, firsthand information. This drew strong interest and received positive feedback from the students.
Ms. Choi Yu-kyung, a teacher at Gyeongbuk Foreign Language High School, remarked, “This program has been an excellent opportunity for students interested in international organizations and global affairs to broaden their understanding of neighboring countries and deepen their awareness of the international community.”
Meanwhile, the NEAR Secretariat is carrying out its 2025 Global Citizenship Education Program by visiting four high schools in Gyeongsangbuk-do—Gyeongbuk Foreign Language High School in Gumi, Pungsan High School in Andong, Korea Future Industry High School in Yeongju, and Gyeongju Information High School—to introduce the cultures of Northeast Asian countries such as China, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia.
Following the session at Gyeongbuk Foreign Language High School, the NEAR Secretariat plans to hold additional sessions at Pungsan High School (Japan session) on May 16, at Korea Future Industry High School (China session) in mid-July, and at Gyeongju Information High School (Russia/Mongolia session) in early October.