Keimyung University is a prestigious academic institution based in Daegu, the third largest city in the Republic of Korea. Since 1997 the University has closely cooperated with the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music, running joint educational programme titled "Keimyung - Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music". The idea of the project is to educate talented young Koreans, as well as to promote Polish culture in Korea, and introduce Korea and Koreans in Poland as a nation of rich cultural tradition. As part of the programme, Korean students study in Daegu for three years under Polish teachers delegated by the FCUM, and after obtaining a degree of Bachelor of Art, recognized by the Polish University, they come to Poland for the two-year complementary Master course. Until now, about 100 Koreans have already obtained Master of Art degrees in the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music, and two of them assumed the positions of assistant teachers at the FCUM. The University provides them with the opportunity to learn Polish language as well as to obtain comprehensive knowledge about Polish culture. The project, carried out for over 15 years, has become a key element of international cooperation of the FCUM, as well as the flagship project of the Keimyung University.
The Korean University actively promotes Polish culture in Korea by - among other projects - organizing the "Asia-Pacific International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition", which so far took place twice, in 2009 and 2012. The President of Keimyung University, Dr. Synn Ilhi, has also founded the "Pro Polonia" Society, which funds scholarships for young Polish and Korean musicians, organizes concerts of Polish music, invites renowned Polish musicians for concerts, lectures and master classes.
We hope that the meetings will result in creating a new concept of supporting young talented musicians from both countries.
Organizers: Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Keimyung University, The Fryderyk Chopin University of Music