CUHK and Yonsei Cultivate a Rich Tapestry of Cultural Learning
CUHK, a global institution embracing multiculturalism, is committed to cultivating students with a global vision and mindset to become future leaders. Through its innovative curriculum and international experiential learning programmes, CUHK empowers students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. In partnership with Yonsei University (Yonsei)’s Underwood International College (UIC), the two institutions launched the Cultural Management Programme in March 2024, introducing a pioneering model of international education that goes beyond traditional term-time exchanges.
Spearheaded by the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies and the Office of Academic Links at CUHK and the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Division at UIC, the programme’s second iteration ran from March to June 2025 with funding support from Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee.
This credit-bearing hybrid initiative blended virtual classrooms and project-based assignments with immersive field trips to Hong Kong and Seoul, providing students with an in-depth exploration of the cultural and creative industries of both cities. Co-taught by faculty from diverse backgrounds, the programme offered a comparative study of the design thinking process across different teaching and learning environments. Through this experience, students gained valuable insights into creative entrepreneurship and the visual design of urban spaces.
This year, the programme brought together some 20 students from CUHK and Yonsei UIC from diverse backgrounds, including Hong Kong, Korea, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Russia, and the US.
In Hong Kong, students immersed themselves in local traditions, explored the intersection of performing arts and digital innovations, and examined the city’s evolving identity. Yonsei student Orkhon Udval said, ‘The Hong Kong field trip was truly impactful, offering a rare opportunity to explore major districts and broaden our perspectives.’
In Seoul, students engaged with K-aesthetics, cultural heritage, and the vibrant local arts scene. CUHK student Yeung Zi Ching reflected, ‘Visiting different Korean exhibitions has broadened my knowledge and inspired new ideas for presenting art and culture in community spaces that resonate with both locals and international audiences.’
The Seoul trip has profoundly enriched students’ understanding of Korea’s art and cultural development, offering firsthand experiences that brought classroom concepts to life.
This programme not only deepened academic knowledge, but also fostered cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, enriching the overall learning experience. Participants recognised that gaining real-world insights into the cultural and creative industries would significantly enhance their professional development. CUHK looks forward to inspiring more students to shape and contribute to the cultural landscape through its partnership with Yonsei and other universities.
