Renewing Cross-Border Friendship — Chenggong High School's In-Depth Exchange with Gimcheon High School

Taipei Municipal Chenggong High School and Korea’s Gimcheon High School, both long-established boys’ schools, resumed their exchange partnership in 2019. In 2024, they signed a ten-year sister school agreement, reinforcing their commitment to deepening mutual cultural understanding and friendship through online and in-person interactions. Since 2024, Gimcheon High School has visited Chenggong twice. This year, from May 19 to 23, Chenggong arranged its first return visit. Principal Liu Ching-ching led a delegation of 21 students and the library director to Gimcheon High School for two days of meaningful face-to-face exchange. The visit symbolizes the continued and growing bond between the two historic boys’ schools in Taiwan and Korea.

Day One: Cultural and Academic Convergence
The exchange began on May 20 with warm speeches from Principal Liu and Vice Principal Lee, expressing gratitude for the enduring friendship. The two schools exchanged gifts, including a calligraphy scroll created by Chenggong students titled “Chenggong in Butterfly Dance, Gimcheon’s Talents,” representing the schools’ shared emphasis on talent and diversity.

Next came vibrant student performances. Gimcheon students energized the audience with band music and K-pop dance. Chenggong students, starting from scratch, practiced harmonica under the guidance of English teacher Mr. Shao. Their rendition of the Taiwanese folk song “Longing for the Spring Breeze” opened the event with heartfelt emotion.

In academic sessions, students from both schools presented in fluent English, discussing popular Taiwanese and Korean films, games, and social media trends—demonstrating cultural insight and research skills. Chenggong students also took part in a taekwondo class, showcasing a balance of intellectual and physical discipline.

During the campus tour, Chenggong students visited Gimcheon’s history museum and cafeteria, noting the students’ courteous behavior, the unique coin-operated karaoke machines in the library, and the impressive football fields. After a nutritious school lunch, students shared a joyful karaoke session and a friendly football match, creating lasting memories.

Day Two: Traditional Games and Lasting Bonds
On May 21, outdoor activities were held on the lawn of the Gimcheon Municipal Museum. Students played traditional Korean games like shuttlecock kicking and slap-match, followed by a fun dodgeball game filled with laughter. At the end of the day, Gimcheon gifted handwritten Korean postcards with each Chenggong participant’s name and custom metal name tags—deeply touching tokens of friendship.

Though reluctant to part, students from both schools promised to reunite in Taiwan. This exchange not only fostered cultural understanding but also became a cherished chapter in their youth. Chenggong High School remains committed to international exchange, encouraging students to step out of the classroom and into the world.