As reading books has rebounded in popularity, numerous educational initiatives, programs, and book clubs have emerged around the globe. The following are three reading programs currently run by institutions in South Korea, along with three distinctive programs from other countries. Reading Programs
On Aug. 31, Professor Emeritus Kim Kyung-hak retired from the Department of Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology at Chonnam National University. He specialized in international migration and South Asian regional studies, focusing on India and Nepal. Through this interview, the Chonnam Tribune invit
The notion that autumn is the best season for reading has lost its meaning, as books have drifted away from people’s lives. According to the “2023 National Reading Survey (NRS)” conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the biannual comprehensive reading rate of adults has fallen to
[Native Category’s First Prize-Winning Essay]Walking down the street, it emerges from the shadows. Long, sharp teeth. Blood-red skin. Horns black as the night and eyes gleaming with malice. A demon. It’s coming your way. “Good evening, Mr. Demon!” you cheerfully call out. Ridiculous. Everyone knows
[Non-Native Category’s First Prize-Winning Essay]Generation Z, disillusioned by the established regimes worldwide, often participates in political actions. Their juvenile ardor, combined with technological prowess, can both inspire and terrify, given how fast and daring their responses are. Striving
This year’s writing contest presented a particularly challenging theme that required political awareness and sensitivity to global and domestic issues. Despite the complexity of the topics, many contestants impressed us with their insight, balanced reasoning, and maturity in argumentation. Their ess
The 2025 English Essay Contest, held to commemorate CNU’s 73rd anniversary and the Chonnam Tribune ’s 57th, concluded with an awards ceremony held on Oct. 31, celebrating the achievements of five Korean students and four international students. In the non-native speakers’ category, Kim Mariia (Fresh
In this section, the Chonnam Tribune introduces Director Byun Young-joo, who hosted the 2025 Gwangju Women’s Film Festival. She appeared on the well-known TV series “Movie Room” and received the 48th Baeksang Arts Award in 2012. On Oct. 27, she visited Chonnam National University to deliver a lectur
In this issue’s People section, the Chonnam Tribune introduces a member of our community who has dedicated herself to assisting those whose needs benefit from a uniquely tailored approach. – Ed.Preparations are in full swing for the queer parade in Gwangju, returning after a five-year hiatus. The fi
The world is facing a common problem, as the climate crisis increasingly leads to catastrophes across the globe. Deadly floods, wildfires, droughts, and prolonged heatwaves in numerous regions highlight an unfolding global emergency that demands immediate action. As global temperatures rise and gree
Over the summer vacation, reporters from the CNU Press and Broadcasting Center visited Shenji New Village in Taichung, Taiwan, one of the most famous and successful examples of urban regeneration projects and a potential model for Gwangju’s Balsan Village. This coverage was provided as part of the “
On Aug. 31, Professor Emeritus Roh Seung-hee retired from the Department of English Language and Literature at Chonnam National University. She specialized in Shakespeare, early modern literature, and gender studies, exploring historical contexts, literary forms, and gender representation. Through t
Migrant workers play a vital role in global economies, yet many encounter difficulties in employment, social integration, and overall well-being. To tackle these challenges, governments and organizations have developed programs aimed at protecting workers’ rights and improving working conditions. He
Migrant workers now account for approximately six percent of all unskilled manufacturing workers in South Korea. As of 2024, the number of migrant workers in South Korea had risen to 1.56 million. This influx has occurred in response to the nation’s declining population and rapidly aging society, wh
Gwangju Sekwang School is the only special education school for visually impaired students in Gwangju, offering programs ranging from kindergarten to high school, as well as two specialized courses. For these students, braille is the most essential tool for acquiring fundamental knowledge and skills
On Feb. 27, Professor Emeritus Kim Mun-soo retired from the Department of Psychology at Chonnam National University (CNU). He studied biological psychology, a relatively less-known specialty compared to popular fields such as counseling and educational psychology. Through this interview, the Chonnam
Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are encroaching on areas long considered the exclusive domain of human activity. People no longer need skilled artisans to create images tailored for specific needs. Instead, people now use fine-tuned AI systems to generate original images, audio, and
Interest in culture and the arts is growing rapidly, as more people actively seek ways to enrich their daily lives. To support this rising demand, both national and local governments offer a variety of cultural access initiatives. Here are two initiatives designed to help young people enjoy cultural
Many cities in Korea are making efforts to encourage their residents to use public transit instead of personal vehicles. To achieve this, they have implemented diverse public transit innovations to provide convenience and efficiency, strategies which have attracted significant attention from the pub
In this issue’s People section, the Chonnam Tribune introduces a member of our community who has dedicated herself to assisting those whose needs benefit from a uniquely tailored approach. – Ed.Sign Language Interpreter Lee Eun-ilIn Gwangju, a vibrant city with residents of around 1,000 who are prof
