Kwangwoon University Volunteer Corps Carries Out Rural Community Service
in Suha-ri, Sindun-myeon, Icheon
– 21 volunteers participate in a three-day, two-night program assisting
with farm work and community cleanup –
– Practicing community engagement and sharing: “We will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of Korea’s agriculture and rural communities” –
Kwangwoon University’s Volunteer Corps successfully completed its rural community service program during the summer vacation.
The Kwangwoon University Volunteer Corps carried out a three-day, two-night volunteer program from August 3 to 5 in Suha-ri, Sindun-myeon, Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, with the aim of helping address labor shortages in rural areas and promoting mutually beneficial relationships with the local community. A total of 21 members participated, offering much-needed assistance to rural residents facing workforce shortages due to an aging and declining population.
The program was organized to support rural communities suffering from labor shortages while fulfilling the university’s social responsibility. The volunteers began by cleaning and improving the village environment, then visited elderly residents living alone to help improve their living conditions. They also assisted with farm work and other activities aimed at improving the local environment, spending meaningful time with community residents.
Despite the hot summer weather, the students took part in a wide range of volunteer activities, including weeding, tidying areas around farmland, and cleaning the village. They also spent time talking with senior residents and checking on their well-being, providing an opportunity to strengthen intergenerational communication and reflect on the importance of community.
One student who participated in the program said, “I felt a great sense of fulfillment whenever the elderly residents thanked us with bright smiles. Although our contribution was small, it was very meaningful to know that we could provide some support to rural communities and local residents. I hope to continue participating in volunteer activities in the future.”
Village head Park Hoon-bae expressed his appreciation, saying, “Despite the sweltering weather, the Kwangwoon University Volunteer Corps students came to visit our senior residents first and sincerely helped with everything from cleaning to farm work. I am deeply grateful to them. Every student stepped in as though the work were their own, and their efforts were a tremendous help to the village.”
Lee Gi-baek, Dean of Student Affairs at Kwangwoon University, said, “Rural communities are an invaluable foundation of life that provides food for our nation, but they are facing significant difficulties due to population aging and labor shortages. The Kwangwoon University Volunteer Corps will continue its volunteer activities to support Korea’s rice farming communities and contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture.”
He continued, “The sweat and effort our students devoted in the field represent more than simple volunteer work. They are a valuable experience of growing together with the local community and a meaningful step toward fulfilling the university’s social responsibility. Kwangwoon University will continue to expand a wide range of community engagement and social contribution programs in partnership with local communities.”
Kwangwoon University’s Volunteer Corps plans to continue promoting students’ sense of community and spirit of sharing through a variety of domestic and international social contribution programs, including rural volunteer activities, while pursuing initiatives that enable the university and local communities to grow together.
