College of Confucian Studies Successfully Concludes International Conference on "Mind Learning and East Asian Confucianism"
On July 4, 2025, the College of Confucian Studies at Sungkyunkwan University successfully hosted an international academic conference titled “Mind Learning and East Asian Confucianism” in collaboration with the International Confucian Association. Held at the 600th Anniversary Hall, the event was organized to explore both the traditional foundations and modern challenges of East Asian Confucianism and to promote global academic exchange.
The conference opened with congratulatory remarks from President Yoo Ji-beom and a welcoming speech by Vice Director Dong Ping of the International Confucian Association. Many prominent scholars from Korea and abroad attended the event.
President Yoo emphasized that Confucianism is a practical philosophy that connects tradition with modernity and bridges the intellectual future of East Asia. He expressed his hope that the conference would serve as a turning point in reaffirming the relevance of Confucianism today and in shaping the future of the East Asian academic community. Vice Director Dong Ping highlighted how Yangmingism has developed in diverse ways across East Asian countries, enriching each culture in the process. He also stressed that Mind Learning and Confucianism can serve as essential philosophical guides amid the confusion of values and rapid technological change in modern society.
Prior to the opening ceremony, a courtesy meeting was held at the President's Office, where both parties exchanged views on expanding academic exchange and future cooperation. During the meeting, President Yoo reiterated the importance of joint development and future vision for East Asian Confucian studies and extended a warm welcome to the guests.
▲ MOU signing between SKKU's Institute of Eastern Philosophy and Culture and the Wang Yangming Research Institute of Zhejiang Province
During the event, SKKU's Institute of Eastern Philosophy and Culture signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Wang Yangming Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, aiming to strengthen academic exchange and collaborative research. This agreement lays the foundation for ongoing cooperation and expansion of the East Asian academic network.
▲Group photo with all domestic and international participants
Notable Korean participants included:
Dean Kim Dong-min of the College of Confucian Studies, Director Kim Kyung-ho of the East Asian Academy, and Professors Shin Jung-geun, Kim Do-il, Yoon Seok-min, Ahn Seung-woo, Ko Jae-seok, Choi Jae-mok, Kim Min-jae, Lee Won-seok, Park Young-woo, Jeong Jong-mo, Park Hyun-jung, Jin Ham, and Jeong Soon-jong.
International attendees included:
Professor Yang Guoying (East China Normal University), Zhang Xuezhi (Peking University), Ha Jun (Fudan University), Lin Anwu (Tunghai University, Taiwan), Dong Ping (Zhejiang University), Huang Yong (The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Jeon Myung, Ban Seung-ok (Wang Yangming Research Institute), and Yoo Min-jung (Zhejiang University).
▲ Scholars engage in in-depth presentations and discussions
The conference covered a wide range of topics, including Yangming Mind Learning, the climate crisis and philosophy of life, the relationship between the brain and the mind, and Confucian moral and political thought in the age of AI—exploring how Confucian ideas can be applied and expanded in the modern academic landscape.
▲ Closing remarks by Dean Kim Dong-min and Professor Zhang Xuezhi (Peking University)
In his closing remarks, Professor Zhang Xuezhi highlighted the depth and diversity of the discussions, emphasizing the meaningful exchange between Chinese and Korean scholars. He also noted the creative contributions of young Korean researchers. Dean Kim Dong-min concluded that the conference successfully explored both the academic significance and contemporary relevance of Mind Learning, offering a valuable opportunity to reflect on human values and the future potential of Confucianism in the AI era.
The conference made significant contributions by revisiting the modern-day relevance of Mind Learning and East Asian Confucianism, broadening research horizons, and strengthening international academic exchange. Moreover, its emphasis on nurturing the next generation of scholars points to a promising future for the development of traditional thought.
List
