The Division of Understanding Korea Project of the Center for International Affairs at the Academy of Korean Studies held "Textbook Seminar for Educators of Belgium" for seven days from October 23 to 29, 2022. The seminar drew the general manager of Plantyn, a leading textbook publisher in Belgium, and writers of history textbooks.

The three Belgian education and educators and the Korean side held a seminar on October 24 and had a welcoming lunch. On October 25, the visitors paid a courtesy call on the AKS president, visited a high school, and gave lectures on Korea.

In the textbook seminar, Korean presenters, including researchers of the Division of Understanding Korea Project, and Belgian experts discussed history education in Belgium, Korea-related contents in Belgian textbooks and ways to improve them, the legitimacy of the names of the East Sea and Dokdo, materials for understanding Korea and the results of seminar for invited experts. The participants also shared introduction to Plantyn and its publication of school textbooks. The Belgian side showed great interest in the "Honilgangniyeokdaegukjido” world map and "Jikjisimjeyojeol,” expressing their intention to put them in Belgian textbooks.
In a lecture on Korea, the participants had an opportunity to broaden their knowledge and understanding of Korean history, including the Korean War, and education and textbook system in the country. Many questions and answers were exchanged, as the Belgian experts showed strong interest in the Korean War as seen from many perspectives, rather than those of Europeans, and the Korean education and textbook system, which are different from those of Belgium.

After the seminar and lecture, the Belgian educators visited Gyeongju Historic Areas, including Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, Gyeongju National Museum, Bulguksa Temple, and Seokguram Grotto. The visits helped them understand the Buddhist culture and architecture of the Silla Dynasty. In Seoul, they visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong, where they experienced the traditional and modern aspects and cultures of Seoul and enhanced their understanding of Korea in general.

On the occasion of the seminar on Korean culture, the Division of Understanding Korea Project will continue to promote mutual understanding between the two countries by sharing textbooks and materials for understanding Korea.