Lee Dain

Lee Dain is a youth writer from Sejong City, South Korea. On June 11, 2025, she was awarded the Overall Grand Prize from the Korea Tourism Organization, presented by their CEO, at Korea Tourism Senior High School 23rd National Middle School Foreign Language Speech Contest for her speech titled “Traces of the Past in Busan.” She delivered her speech before a packed auditorium, with judges from Korea, Japan, China, and the United States, and an audience of fellow students, teachers, parents, and distinguished guests from Korea Tourism Senior High School. As Lee Dain stepped onto the stage in her traditional hanbok, it was clear she had a message to share—one steeped in history, identity, and cross-cultural memory. The contest, themed around introducing domestic and international cultural heritage and tourist attractions, and topics such as personal travel experiences and tourism products.

Lee Dain’s heartfelt reflection on the enduring traces of the Korean War in Busan deeply resonated with both the audience and the panel of international judges. Sincere thanks go to the dedicated judges from Korea, Japan, China, and the United States for their time and thoughtful evaluation, and to the many sponsoring organizations that made the event possible. These include the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Tourism Association, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, Gyeonggi Tourism Association, Korea Tourism Interpreter Guide Association, Hana Tour Co., Ltd., and Kookmin Ilbo. Appreciation is also extended to the Embassy of Japan, the Embassy of China in the Republic of Korea, and the Japan Foundation Seoul Cultural Center for their international support and cultural cooperation. Special thanks to Korea Tourism Senior High School in Pyeongtaek for graciously hosting this inspiring event.