Features a special lecture by novelist Kim Hong-shin, presentations and discussions by experts from five nations, and linkage with the Korean Confucianism Culture Festival.
Chungcheongnam-do (Governor Park Soo-hyun), in collaboration with the Korean Confucianism Culture Research Institute (Acting President Lee Sang-gyun, hereinafter referred to as Hanyujin), will host the '2026 K-Confucianism International Forum' at Sangrok Resort in Cheonan from Thursday, September 17 to Friday, September 18.

Under the theme "K-Confucianism and the Peaceful Community," this year's forum brings together 16 prominent scholars and experts from five countries—South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. They will explore ways in which Confucian culture can contribute to the formation of a peaceful community and discuss the direction of East Asian humanistic solidarity.

The forum originates from the fundamental question of whether the wisdom of coexistence and harmony that East Asia has built upon Confucianism remains effective today, at a time when conflicts and fragmentation are intensifying. Since its establishment in 2022, Hanyujin has held forums under the theme of "K-Confucianism and Modern Society." Starting this year, the institute has expanded the scope of its discussions to "K-Confucianism and Community," selecting the "Peaceful Community" as its inaugural topic.

From the Wisdom of Coexistence to Humanistic Solidarity

On the first day, September 17, Session 1, titled "The Wisdom of Coexistence: The Modern Significance of East Asian Confucianism," will be chaired by Professor Kim Se-jung of Chungnam National University. Presentations will be given by Choi Jae-mok, professor emeritus at Yeungnam University; Liang Sihe, executive director of the Northern Studies Research Institute at the Hebei Academy of Social Sciences in China; Dao Phu Phu, chief researcher at the Institute of Philosophy under the Vietnamese Academy of Social Sciences; and Professor Furuta Tomitate of Tezukayama Gakuin University in Japan. Through topics such as K-Confucian cultural assets, Son Gi-bong's thought, Ho Chi Minh's Confucian moral ideology, and modern South Korea's discourse on filial piety, the speakers will examine the values shared by East Asia and their modern significance.

Following the session, novelist Kim Hong-shin (advisor to the Peace Foundation) will deliver a special lecture and talk concert under the theme "Reading Humanity, Writing Peace." He will reflect on the meaning of a peaceful community through the perspectives of human life and literature, translating academic discussions into humanistic discourse that citizens can relate to and share.

Exploring Community through Practical Cases in Region, Education, and Cultural Exchange

On the second day, September 18, Session 2, titled "East Asian Humanistic Solidarity for a Peaceful Community," will be chaired by Professor Kim Yong-jae of Sungshin Women's University. Presentations will be delivered by Park Jae-hee, director of Seokcheon Hakdang; Yu Tung-ta, professor at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan; and Kim Sung-beom, representative of the Asian Civilization Research Institute. The speakers will focus on cooperation and practical directions in the fields of regional, educational, and cultural exchanges, centering on cases of virtuous solidarity through study, the modern significance of philosophy of symbiosis, and the lingering memory of Nguyen Trai in Thang Long and Hanoi, Vietnam.

Researchers from China, Vietnam, and South Korea will participate as discussants in each session. The comprehensive report will summarize the main points of the presentations and discussions, sharing the potential for humanistic solidarity and future tasks for an East Asian peaceful community.

Integration with Regional Festivals and Global Expansion

This international forum is held in conjunction with the 2026 Korean Confucianism Culture Festival. On the afternoon of September 18, following the conclusion of the forum, the opening ceremony of the festival will take place at the Korean Confucianism Culture Research Institute located in Noseong-myeon, Nonsan-si. The opening ceremony will feature the "Chungcheong Spirit Citizens' Declaration," designed as an occasion to share the practical values of loyalty, filial piety, and etiquette.

Acting President Lee Sang-gyun of Hanyujin stated, "We will expand the foundation of international humanistic exchanges so that K-Confucianism can connect individuals with individuals, and regions with nations, contributing to the creation of a peaceful community." This forum aims to expand academic discourse into participatory cultural practices for citizens by linking with the concurrent Korean Confucianism Culture Festival. Hanyujin plans to utilize the discussions and proposals presented by domestic and international experts in future international exchange and academic research projects, thereby strengthening the foundation for the global dissemination of K-Confucianism's modern values.

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