The Gateway to Go – Summit 2024, hosted by Go For A Better World, was successfully held on July 25th in Seoul, at the Pascucci Instrument Street branch in Seocho-gu. The event marked the official launch of the Gateway to Go program, an introductory 5-lesson Go curriculum developed as part of our mission to create and expand an intergenerational Go-playing community.
The summit featured a signing ceremony between U.S.-based nonprofit Go For A Better World, founded by Jake (Jinhoo) Kim, and Korea’s Dodream Education, represented by CEO Haejung Gil. This collaboration aims to expand intergenerational Go communities worldwide, focusing on using Go as a tool for dementia prevention and promoting social engagement.
It was a great opportunity to hear from world-leading Go experts in Korea, as well as professionals from the medical and educational fields, who discussed the potential of Go as a powerful tool to help cope with the risk of dementia amid the growing aging population.
Key discussions at the summit centered on the theme, “Expanding the Intergenerational Go Community Using the Program,” highlighting how Go can bridge generational divides, enhance cognitive function, and foster cultural understanding. Panelists included:
- Nayeon Kang, Head Manager of the Future Education Content Team at the Korea Baduk Association: Emphasized the need for innovation in traditional Go education methods, tools, and content. She also noted that the Korea Baduk Association is increasingly interested in empirical research on the positive role of Go in preventing and treating dementia.
- Hyojung Kim, Executive Director of Broadcasting at K-Baduk: Highlighted the importance of simplifying the concepts necessary for beginners to enjoy Go, thereby increasing the game’s appeal. She stressed the need to shift the focus of Go education, currently centered on children, towards senior citizens, particularly in introductory Go education.
- Chihyung Nam, Professor of Baduk Studies at Myongji University: Discussed the necessity of innovating the introductory process for Go dissemination while maintaining a balanced approach to preserving the traditional identity of the game.
- Chikyung Kim, Professor of Neurology at Korea University College of Medicine: Introduced the positive effects of Go in preventing dementia, explaining that Go can help sustain and enhance brain activity.
- Kyunga Ryu, Principal of Mountain Cherry Academy International School: From an educational perspective, she emphasized the importance of intergenerational integration, noting that Go can play a significant role in bridging generational gaps and promoting mutual understanding.
These experts shared insights on the program’s potential to innovate Go education and support brain health.