Written by Mark Neil Bosway, UBSHS Faculty Member
The University of Baguio Science High School (UBSHS) proudly represented the Philippines in the 2025 Korea-Philippine Cultural Scout Exchange Program held from June 4 to 11, 2025. This week-long international engagement brought together student scouts and leaders for a unique blend of cultural immersion, educational exploration, leadership development, and global friendship-building. Under the guidance of Scout Master Mark Neil S. Bosway, six student delegates, Lindsay Wong, Carl Moreno, Michael Cabato, John Jorel Gabriel, Leanne Mamitag, and Aaliyah De Guia, embarked on an enriching journey that spanned major cities and cultural landmarks across South Korea.
The exchange began with the group’s arrival at Incheon Airport, followed by an introduction to Korean culture in Seoul’s vibrant Hongdae district. They visited Korea Aerospace University, toured its aerospace museum, and experienced local cuisine before traveling to Jeonju City to settle into their accommodations. On the following days, the scouts engaged in various educational and cultural activities, including a visit to Geumsan Middle School and High School where they participated in campus life and judo sparring. They then hiked Mt. Daedunsan and Mai Mountain and visited Taekwondowon to learn about the history and philosophy of Taekwondo. These experiences deepened their appreciation for Korean culture while building resilience and camaraderie.
Further into the week, the scouts explored Namwon, admired the floral beauty of Rose Park, and spent meaningful time with foster families arranged by the Council of Youth Organization in Jeonbuk State. In Hanok Village, they donned traditional Hanbok attire and immersed themselves in local customs alongside their Korean foster siblings. These encounters encouraged the development of intercultural communication and strengthened their sense of empathy and connection.
The program continued with hands-on activities such as cooking authentic Korean dishes with local students, visiting the Jeonju National Museum, and participating in the Harim Chicken Road Tour. The scouts also explored technological innovations at KNUAF and the Saemangeum Metaverse Museum. A spontaneous visit to Gyeokpo Beach provided a refreshing pause from the structured schedule and created unforgettable memories, especially as the group bid a heartfelt farewell to their devoted bus driver, Sir Mo, who had become an integral part of their journey.
On their final day, the delegation visited the Jeonju City Upcycling Center and City Library before departing for the airport. A short shopping excursion and farewell lunch concluded their adventure. As they left South Korea, the scouts carried with them not just souvenirs, but stories, friendships, and invaluable life lessons.
The Korean-Philippine Cultural Scout Exchange Program 2025 proved to be more than a cultural tour, it was a transformative journey. The students returned home with a renewed sense of independence, confidence, and cultural awareness. Their experiences not only enhanced their leadership and communication skills but also helped foster a stronger sense of global citizenship.
This successful exchange was made possible through the steadfast support of Dr. Kim, the Korean Scout Association, the International Youth Community of Korea, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines – Baguio City Council, and the University of Baguio. Their collective commitment to youth development and international understanding ensured the program’s success. As UBSHS looks ahead, it remains enthusiastic about future collaborations that continue to uphold the spirit of Scouting, promoting peace, cooperation, and unity across borders.
With hearts full of gratitude and hope, the University of Baguio Science High School Scouts extend their warmest thanks to everyone who made this journey possible. Kamsahamnida for the memories, the friendships, and the inspiration that will last a lifetime.
This program is one of UB’s initiatives to foster the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely No. 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals. It allows the university’s scouts to build their character and develop a deeper understanding of the global community, which is knowledge that they can then use to build a better local community in the Philippines and in Baguio City. It also allows UB to maintain its connections with organizations such as the International Youth Community of South Korea to pursue the attainment of the other goals.
