The Center for International Affairs of the Academy of Korean Studies held the " Textbook Seminar for Educators of Ecuador " for seven days from October 16 to 22. The seminar drew officials from major Ecuadorian textbook publishers -- Don Bosco, Edinun and Santillana.

In 2021, a seminar and Korea-related lectures were held for four days on the online platform ZOOM due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Center was able to invite those who had participated in last year’s online seminar since pandemic regulations were eased.

Participants in the seminar had time to discuss issues such as Ecuadorian textbook publishers' interest in Korea, Korea-related contents in the current Ecuadorian textbooks, and more information about Korea that can be included in Ecuadorian textbooks. Participants agreed in particular that the inclusion of Korean-related content in Don Bosco's textbook and the content related to "Jikji" in Santillana's digital textbook provided a foothold to add more Korea-related content to Ecuadorian textbooks. In the afternoon, participants had an opportunity to broaden their understanding of Korea's history, culture and economy by attending lectures on "Korean History in Cultural Heritage" and "Korea's Economic Development History and Korea-Latin America Economic Relations."

Participants in the seminar also visited Gyeongju’s historical sites such as Cheonmachong, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram to understand the Buddhist culture and architecture of the Silla Dynasty. In Busan, the second-largest city in Korea, they witnessed the footsteps of Korea’s modern and contemporary history such as the Provisional Capital Government Complex and Gamcheon Culture Village. Visiting Seoul, they had time to learn the history of Seoul at the Seoul Museum of History, and visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hanok Village and Insa-dong to experience the city and Korean culture which combines tradition and modernity. Participants also had time to enjoy the standard and fun of Korean performance art by watching the world-renowned "The Painters: HERO" art performance.

The Ecuadorian textbook experts who participated in the Korean culture seminar said they came to obtain greater interest in Korea's education, history and culture through the seminar. The Center will continue to cooperate with them to increase mutual understanding of students from the two countries through textbooks and understanding materials.