A China-Korea youth exchange camp on artificial intelligence and the digital economy was held in Beijing from Aug 16 to 22.

Themed "New Opportunities for China-Korea Youth Cooperation in AI and Digital Economy", the camp brought together 18 outstanding students in STEM-related fields from Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University for a week of study and exchange.

During their stay, the Korean participants attended lectures on China's AI governance framework and prospects for bilateral cooperation. They visited the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center of the Zhongguancun National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone, iSoftStone, BGI Genomics, and Zhipu AI, gaining first-hand exposure to cutting-edge industrial practices in the digital economy, AI-powered life sciences, and large language models. They participated in the World Robot Conference, witnessing breakthroughs in humanoid robotics and embodied intelligence. They also visited Beijing Solana and Sanlitun smart business district to see how digital technologies are being integrated into everyday life. During their visit, roundtable discussions were held on AI trends, digital economy opportunities, as well as youth innovation and entrepreneurship, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship. Cultural excursions to the Juyongguan Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, along with a "friendship kitchen" dinner, offered immersive experiences in Chinese history, culture, cuisine and lifestyle.

The Korean students shared their impressions of the visit. Lee Ui-jeong, a master's degree student in Technology Management, Economics and Policy at Seoul National University, said it was her first visit to China. She said that the innovative achievements of tech companies, the robot exhibition, and the scale of Beijing's urban development gave her a concrete and vivid impression of China. "Everyone was so warm despite the language barrier," she said, added the only regret is that the visit was too short.

Lee Joo-heon, a master's degree student from the Department of Artificial Intelligence at Yonsei University, recalled living in Yantai, in East China's Shandong province for half a year as a child. Returning to China after 18 years, he was struck by the country's development in technological innovation and its open, inclusive attitude. "It has completely reshaped my perception of China," he said.

Kwon Ga-hyeon, an undergraduate student in Health and Environmental Convergence Science at Korea University, said she was deeply impressed by how digital technology has become integrated into daily life in China. She noted that cash is rarely used, and facial recognition devices were widely seen. "What moved me most is that AI has stepped out of labs and factories into ordinary people's lives, into shopping malls, restaurants, parks, even on the streets, so you can feel the convenience technology brings," she said.

A closing meeting was held on Aug 21 at the China International Youth Exchange Center (CIYEC). Wang Yi, its vice-general manager, attended and delivered a speech. Wang noted that China and Korea share geographical proximity and cultural affinities, while young people in both countries share common aspirations and strong innovative vitality, giving them natural advantages and broad prospects for cooperation in digital technology, AI and youth innovation. She expressed the hope that the camp would help Korean participants gain a deeper understanding of China's AI and digital economy landscape and promote practical collaboration between young people of both countries. The closing meeting also featured group presentations on pathways for China-Korea Youth collaboration in addressing AI opportunities and challenges. There was also a short video montage filmed and edited by the Korean participants capturing their perspectives on China.

The activity was organized by CIYEC and funded by the CEP Program of the China International Talent Exchange Foundation. It marks the fifth edition of the Dive into China Youth International Camp. As a flagship program of CIYEC, the series has invited young people from countries including the United States, the Netherlands and Canada to China for exchanges. The program aims to help international youth discover a real, multidimensional, and comprehensive China.