From September 9 to September 12, 2026, ten student Korea-Japan Sister School ambassadors from Omiya Kita High School visited Suwon, South Korea, and participated in an exchange program with our sister school, Samil Technical High School.

Saitama City and Suwon City have maintained a partnership relationship, and our two schools have been conducting exchange activities since 2023.

During the four-day visit, students explored Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visited the local Mokkol Market, where they learned about Korean history and culture and interacted with local people. Many students were impressed by the warmth and kindness of the people they met. One student commented, “Although Japanese was not spoken in the market, I was able to communicate using the Korean phrases I had learned.”

At Samil Technical High School, students participated in school tours, cultural activities, and traditional games. Despite initial concerns about the language barrier, they quickly became friends by communicating in Japanese, Korean, English, and gestures. Through these interactions, students gained a deeper understanding of Korean school life and culture while discovering both similarities and differences between Japan and Korea.

The group also visited the Suwon Museum and the War Memorial of Korea, where they learned about Korean history and reflected on the historical and cultural connections between the two countries.

On the final day, students visited Gyeongbokgung Palace and experienced wearing traditional Korean hanbok. This opportunity allowed them to experience Korean culture firsthand and appreciate the beauty of Korea’s history, architecture, and traditions.

Through this program, students broadened their international perspectives, improved their communication skills, and developed a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. Many students noted that one of the most valuable discoveries was realizing that meaningful friendships can be built even when people speak different languages and come from different backgrounds.

Students from Samil Technical High School are scheduled to visit Omiya Kita High School on November 17 and 18. We look forward to strengthening the friendships formed during this exchange and introducing our guests to Saitama City, Japanese culture, and life in Japan.

As a UNESCO Associated School, Omiya Kita High School will continue to promote international understanding and work toward “constructing the defenses of peace in the minds of men” through meaningful cultural exchange and cooperation.