LinZi：Gwangju Confucian University, South Korea, Embarks on Study Tour to Linzi

2025-07-11 09:29

　　Recently, the Jiang Tai Gong Memorial Hall in Linzi, Zibo, Shandong Province, welcomed a group of special visitors—a delegation from Gwangju Confucian University in South Korea. This ancient shrine, embodying the origins of Qi Culture and Eastern military philosophy, served for the first time as the destination for an in-depth study tour by this prestigious Korean Confucian institution. Measuring history with their footsteps and absorbing culture with heart and mind amidst the ancient pines, cypresses, and stelae of the memorial hall, the delegation embarked on an immersive journey tracing the roots of Eastern wisdom.

　　Stepping into the solemn main hall complex, the Korean visitors displayed profound focus. They proceeded slowly along the central axis, bowing with hands folded in reverence before the main hall dedicated to Lord Jiang (Jiang Tai Gong). This ancient ritual instantly transformed into a cultural resonance transcending borders. Throughout their visit, the delegation engaged in extensive and in-depth interactions with the memorial hall staff. They expressed keen interest in Jiang Tai Gong's governing philosophy of "respecting the worthy and valuing merit" ("Zun Xian Shang Gong"), finding deep resonance with the core tenets of Korean Confucianism that emphasize reverence for culture and education. Staff members enthusiastically elaborated on the profound influence of Jiang Tai Gong's thought on the Qilu region (Shandong) and its significance as a shared intellectual resource within East Asian civilization. The exchange of ideas and mutual cultural understanding flourished organically amidst the tangible observation of artifacts and experiential learning within the historical setting.

　　Mr. Kang Won-gu , a member of the Korean delegation, shared his deep impressions: "The Jiang Tai Gong Memorial Hall is far more than just a historical relic; it feels like a living hall of Eastern wisdom. This study tour in Linzi has been a true journey of cultural tracing to the source. By personally experiencing the atmosphere of the shrine and touching the traces of history, we've gained a much more intuitive and profound understanding of the wellspring of Confucian thought and its dissemination throughout East Asia. This is far more memorable than any classroom lecture." A staff member from the Linzi Jiang Tai Gong Memorial Hall responded: "We are deeply moved by the sincere passion and earnest inquiry of our Korean friends towards China's outstanding traditional culture. The doors of the Jiang Tai Gong Memorial Hall are always open to the world. We look forward to welcoming more friends from diverse nations to touch the warmth and depth of Chinese civilization here."

　　As the Korean visitors departed, carrying with them the earthy scent of Qi and the lingering cultural resonance of the memorial hall, Jiang Shang's (Jiang Tai Gong) ancient adage, "All under heaven is not the possession of one individual" ("Tian Xia Fei Yi Ren Zhi Tian Xia"), seemed to transform into an intangible cultural bond. This bond, transcending the barriers of time and space, witnessed through the steps of their practical study tour and in the cultural insights felt more deeply than words could express, how Chinese and Korean civilizations, drawing from shared origins, deepen mutual understanding, foster friendship, and jointly envision a harmonious future for Eastern civilization.