The Second Korea-China Forum on Social Development and Local Governance in Comparative Perspective is held on June 12 in Seoul. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The Second Korea-China Forum on Social Development and Local Governance in Comparative Perspective was convened on June 12 at Seoul National University, building upon the momentum of its inaugural session in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin province, in December 2024.

The forum provided a vital platform for scholarly dialogue to over 50 distinguished experts from China, Korea, and Japan.

The event, co-hosted by the Korean Association for Resident Autonomy, Seoul National University Asia Center, Korea East Asia Institute of Elderly Welfare, Jilin University, and the Jilin Academy of Social Sciences, underscored the growing importance of regional academic collaborations.

The Chinese delegation was led by Wang Ying, vice-chair of the Jilin Federation of Social Sciences; Professor Bing Zheng, director of the Northeast Vitalization and Development Institute at Jilin University; and Guo Lianqiang, vice-president of the Jilin Academy of Social Sciences.

The forum featured three thematic panels: Korea-China culture and social development, resident autonomy and local governance, and aging populations in East Asia. Scholars from Seoul National University, Jilin University, and Kansai Gaidai University shared insights on governance concepts, mechanisms, and approaches, reflecting on national distinctions and common regional challenges. Thoughtful recommendations were also proposed to enhance governance effectiveness across borders.

Following its annual rotation mechanism, the third session of the forum will return to Changchun in 2026, deepening academic exchange and cooperation in Northeast Asia.