A group of international students from UNIST recently participated in a meaningful community service activity at a local farm in Ulju County, Ulsan. Wearing traditional farming hats and working alongside local farmers, they took part in hands-on agricultural tasks, such as planting onion seedlings and clearing weeds, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening bonds with the community.
On November 7, the students eagerly immersed themselves in various farming activities, working diligently under the sun to gain firsthand insight into Korea’s agricultural practices and rural lifestyle.
This initiative was organized by UNIST to introduce international students to Korea’s rural traditions and to encourage greater community involvement. The event was held in collaboration with the Ulsan branch of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NongHyup), with staff from both UNIST and NongHyup actively supporting the volunteers.
UNIST international students are assisting with rural farm work, such as rice planting, at farms around Cheongnyang-eup, Ulju County.
Through their participation, students not only assisted local farmers, but also developed a deeper appreciation for the effort involved in agriculture and everyday rural life. Interacting with residents allowed them to experience local customs and cultural nuances firsthand, enriching their understanding of regional traditions.
Nguyen Ngoc Minh Chau, a student from Vietnam who currently affiliated with the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, reflected on her experience, “Planting onion seedlings for the first time was challenging, but the kindness of the local residents made it enjoyable. I learned a lot about Korean agriculture and gained a new respect for rural life. I now feel more connected to Ulsan.”
Dean Young-Bin Park of Public Relations and International Affairs at UNIST stated, “This volunteer activity in a rural setting offered a valuable opportunity for our international students to engage with the local community. Moving forward, we aim to develop more programs that foster mutual growth between our students and the region.”
