The “2025 Korea-Japan Student Exchange Seminar,” held in Seoul from June 29 to July 2, concluded successfully. This meaningful event brought together 20 student members from university co-ops in Korea and Japan (12 from Korea, 8 from Japan), creating a platform for exchange where participants could experience and share the roles and potential of university co-operatives firsthand.

🤝 Sharing Understanding and the Value of Cooperation

Throughout the seminar, participants engaged in various programs such as:

• An introduction to university co-ops in both countries

• Sharing student activity case studies

• Group discussions

• Store tours and visits

These activities allowed participants to explore the shared philosophy of co-operatives while learning about operational differences between Korea and Japan.

The seminar began with a tour of the Korea National Open University (KNOU) co-op store and an orientation session. Participants then visited several university co-ops — including Soongsil University, Kyung Hee University, and Incheon National University — to observe how stores are run and how members participate in their operations.

They also took part in a collaborative program with the iCOOP Korea (Dure Co-op Federation), gaining insight into how co-operative values are practiced beyond the campus. A hands-on cooking session using eco-friendly ingredients allowed participants to make traditional Korean food and experience how cooperation can be practiced even at the dining table.

This highlighted how co-operative values such as sustainability, community engagement, and mutual support extend beyond retail and into daily life.

🌍 Co-ops Connecting Youth Across Borders

On the final day, participants presented group projects based on what they had learned, sharing activities they had planned themselves and expressing their sense of responsibility and potential as co-op members.

Though brief, the four-day program was an intensive and meaningful experience that went beyond simple cultural exchange. It became a valuable opportunity to connect, understand, and cooperate through the shared platform of university co-operatives.

One key takeaway for participants was the realization that even in different societal contexts, they are united by a common value: cooperation. The seminar received an impressive average satisfaction score of 4.86 out of 5. Feedback included comments like:

• “It was meaningful to have deep discussions about differences between Korea and Japan.”

• “This was a chance to rethink the meaning of co-operatives.”

Many participants noted, “Even though we speak different languages, there was so much we could relate to as co-op members,” and expressed their commitment to “be more active in co-op activities going forward.”

This Korea-Japan Student Exchange Seminar stands as a successful example of international collaboration initiated and led by young co-op members. It reaffirmed the possibilities of solidarity among university co-operatives and the broader social responsibility they can embrace.