Events

From August 23 to 29, 2026, the delegation of 19 members from the Summer Camp of Guanghua Law School, Zhejiang University, visited the Republic of Korea for academic exchanges. The delegation was led by Professor Ma Guang and Lecturer Wang Jing. This summer camp was dedicated to fostering in-depth dialogue between China and South Korea in the field of law, and to providing young scholars with an academic platform to broaden their international perspectives. During the summer camp, our faculty and students visited Korea University, Kim & Chang Law Firm, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Seoul National University, the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, and the Korea Exchange, among other institutions. Through a variety of activities including symposiums, Q&A sessions, and on-site visits, participants gained direct insights into the operational framework of the Korean legal system, current judicial practices, and cutting-edge academic developments.

University Exchange: Focus on China-ROK Trade, Discuss Frontiers of Law

On the morning of August 24, the summer camp delegation visited the Law School of Korea University for an academic exchange activity. Professor Cho Soo-jung from the Law School of Korea University delivered a thematic lecture for the teachers and students. Professor Cho has long been engaged in the research of international trade law and once worked at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea for a long time. In the lecture, centering on the current legal systems between China and the ROK — the bilateral system (FTA), regional system (RCEP), multilateral system (WTO), etc. She systematically explained the development history and current cooperation status of China-ROK trade, and pointed out that deepening the construction of legal systems, expanding the scope of cooperation and strengthening multi-level exchanges are the key paths to promote the future development of bilateral trade relations. In the subsequent exchange session, teachers and students had in-depth discussions with Professor Cho on relevant topics. After the lecture, the delegation toured the campus of Korea University and took group photos.

 On the morning of August 26, the summer camp delegation visited the Law School of Seoul National University in the Republic of Korea. Professor Jiang Guangwen delivered a thematic lecture for the teachers and students. During the symposium, Professor Jiang focused on elaborating the support system for legal career development at Seoul National University, as well as its distinctive training model. Members of the delegation listened attentively, and in the Q&A session, they had exchanges with the Korean side on the career development paths and the specific implementation of the training system. The two sides also exchanged views on future exchanges and cooperation at the education, academic and student levels. At the end of the symposium, Professor Ma Guang expressed sincere gratitude to Seoul National University for its thoughtful arrangements and extended a return visit invitation to the Korean side. Both sides stated that they hope to take this exchange as an opportunity to further deepen communication and collaboration.

Practical Visit: Step into Top-tier Law Firms, Get Access to Cutting-edge Trends

On the afternoon of August 24, the delegation visited Kim & Chang Law Office. Founded in 1973, it is the oldest and largest comprehensive law firm in the Republic of Korea, with an expert team of more than 2,100 professionals. It ranks 26th in the "Asia 50" list selected by Asian Legal Business (ALB), and 60th in the "Global 200" list released by American Lawyer Media (ALM). Lawyer Liang Qingmo of Kim & Chang extended a warm welcome to the delegation. Lawyer Zhang Zhihua introduced the firm's development history, global standing and main business areas to the teachers and students. Lawyer Kim Bo-hyoung also attended the welcome ceremony. During the exchange session, the lawyers analyzed the notable differences between China and the ROK in the trial system, penalty system and Constitutional Court based on specific cases, and introduced the current status and reform paths of the South Korean judicial system. The students actively raised questions on the similarities and differences between Chinese and ROK legal systems and international legal practice, and the lawyers gave patient answers and shared valuable career development suggestions.

Legislation and Judiciary: Step into the Core of Power, Discuss the Path of Rule of Law

On the morning of August 25, the summer camp delegation visited the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and held a thematic symposium with South Korean National Assembly member Lee Ju-hee. During the symposium, Assembly Member Lee introduced the parliamentary election system and legislative operation mechanism of the National Assembly of the ROK, and vividly illustrated the practical application of relevant systems. In the Q&A session, members of the delegation had in-depth exchanges with Assembly Member Lee on key issues such as South Korea's political system, legislative procedures and China-ROK relations. At the end of the symposium, Professor Ma Guang expressed sincere gratitude to Assembly Member Lee for his arrangements, and invited him to visit Guanghua Law School of Zhejiang University, aiming to further enhance academic interaction and mutual understanding between the two sides in the future. Oh Hyoung-bum, Secretary-General of the Korea-China Parliamentarians' Federation of the ROK National Assembly, Lim Hee-won, Division Chief, and Kim Bo-su, Director, also attended the event.

Historical Site Visit: Approach the 38th Parallel, Perceive the Preciousness of Peace

On the afternoon of August 25, the delegation paid a field visit to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone, the 38th Parallel dividing South and North Korea). This buffer zone established after the Korean War Armistice Agreement carries profound historical memories. The teachers and students visited historical sites such as Imjingak Pavilion, the rust-covered "Bridge of Freedom", and the old Gyeongui Line Railway Station that bears the pain of separated families. This visit allowed the students to truly feel the cost of division and the fragility of peace among the trenches and monuments, making the paper provisions of the Armistice Agreement gain tangible, solemn weight. It also helped them develop a deeper understanding of the complex game among international mediation, humanitarianism and rule-of-law-based peace.

Dispute Resolution: At the Forefront of Arbitration – Expanding International Horizons

On August 26, the delegation visited the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board and participated in a thematic discussion. During the session, Mr. Kam Sang ki, Director of the International Arbitration Department of the International Arbitration Center, gave the delegation a detailed introduction to the KCAB’s basic functions, staffing structure, and the number of arbitration cases accepted in recent years, among other matters. In the subsequent Q&A session, delegation members engaged in in-depth discussions with the Korean side on key issues such as arbitration procedures and the handling of international cases. At the same time, the delegation members took the opportunity to introduce the overall profile of Zhejiang University and the distinctive educational features of Guanghua Law School. The exchange was held in a warm atmosphere, and both sides expressed the hope to strengthen future cooperation in academic research, practical training, and personnel exchanges.

Statutory Institutions: Stepping into the Frontiers of Institutional Design and Unlocking the Codes of Governance

On the morning of August 27, members of the summer camp delegation arrived at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office of the Republic of Korea. Guided by a docent, the students learned about the emblem of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the symbolism behind its design, the evolution of the Korean judicial system, and the overall structure of the current judicial system. Through displays of materials and on-site explanations, the docent also reconstructed investigation scenarios of typical cases for the delegation, giving the members a direct understanding of practical operations. During the Q&A session, the delegation members engaged in in-depth discussions with the Korean side on key issues such as the exercise of prosecutorial power and judicial reform. At the end of the visit, the students took photos in prosecutors' uniforms. Professor Ma Guang expressed sincere gratitude to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office for its thoughtful arrangements and extended an invitation for a return visit.

On the afternoon of August 27, members of the summer camp delegation arrived at the Supreme Court of Korea. During the exchange, the members learned about the historical development of the Supreme Court of Korea and the evolution of its legal traditions, gaining a deeper understanding of the development of the Korean judicial system. Subsequently, Judge Jang Ji-yong, International Judicial Officer of the Supreme Court of Korea, gave the students a focused introduction to several famous historical cases and led the delegation on a tour of the courtrooms, explaining their internal layout and functional arrangements. The students actively asked questions on such topics as the system for the appointment of Supreme Court Justices and the relationship between the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. After the exchange, the delegation took a group photo with Judge Jang Ji-yong, International Judicial Officer of the Supreme Court of Korea.

On August 28, the summer camp delegation visited the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Korea and held a thematic discussion with constitutional research officers. The research officers introduced that the Constitutional Court, as the highest constitutional adjudicatory body of the country, plays a significant role in the protection of human rights. Subsequently, during the Q&A session, the students actively engaged in discussions on issues such as the efficacy of the Constitution, the constitutional complaint system, impeachment trials, judicial review of legislation, and the appointment and removal of constitutional justices. After the exchange, the two sides exchanged commemorative gifts and posed for a group photo.

Financial Regulation: A Visit to the Korea Exchange – Uncovering the Logic of Its Operations

On the afternoon of August 28, the summer camp delegation visited the Korea Exchange and was warmly received by Mr. Jiang Yongsheng, Director of the Corporate Review Department. During the event, Director Jiang provided the delegation with a detailed introduction to the Exchange's historical development, market structure, and listing review mechanisms, offering the participants an in-depth understanding of the operational framework and regulatory characteristics of the Korean capital market. Subsequently, guided by Director Jiang, the delegation toured the trading floor and gained an intuitive understanding of the Exchange's day-to-day operations. Throughout the visit, the delegates actively engaged in exchanges with Director Jiang on topics such as the differences between the Chinese and Korean capital markets and the listing standards for enterprises.

This 2026 Korea Summer Exchange Program of Guanghua Law School, Zhejiang University, was both substantial and rewarding. The delegation visited legislative bodies, judicial institutions, top-tier universities, and renowned law firms across the Republic of Korea. Through spirited discussions and interactions with local legal experts, scholars, and practitioners, the students not only gained a profound understanding of the operational logic of the Korean legal system and cutting-edge academic developments, but also broadened their international horizons through intellectual exchanges and strengthened their conviction in pursuing the true essence of the rule of law.

Beyond the intensive academic agenda, the faculty and students also visited Cheong Wa Dae, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Park, N Seoul Tower, the Han River, and the Starfield Library, among other landmarks, experiencing firsthand the local customs, culture, and urban charm of Korea.

Though this brief gathering has drawn to a close, the deep friendships forged and the scholarly sparks ignited during this exchange will not fade. Instead, they will serve as a lasting impetus for the mutual enrichment of legal education and the collaborative advancement of rule-of-law practices between China and South Korea, enduring far into the future.

撰稿：张楷云、陈思源、李晓雨、韩咏晨、敖琪