Prestigious university offers hiking scholarship

Seoul National University offers a 700,000 won (13.3 million VND) scholarship to students who climb six mountains, regardless of academic achievements or awards.

The university's Student Affairs Office opened applications for the "Misan Mountain Climbing Scholarship" from 8/7 to 18/7. The only requirement is for students to climb six designated mountains from a list of over 100. Mountains accessible by cable car, such as Deogyusan and Garawangsan, are excluded.

Students who climb three to five mountains will receive a 300,000 won scholarship. The deadline for completion is from the beginning of August until the end of this year.

There are approximately 70 scholarships available, but over 1,400 students have already applied.

Seoul National University campus. Photo: Chosun

Seoul National University campus. Photo: Chosun

"The scholarship is awarded solely based on hiking activities. The novelty and focus on health seem to have attracted students' attention," a university official said.

The scholarship was founded by Kwon Jun-ha, 81, CEO of Iksan Freight Terminal and an alumnus of the university's economics department.

"Seoul National University students have likely spent their lives buried in books. I hope that after entering university, they won't just study day and night in the library, but also take care of their health and minds," he said.

He plans to offer a similar scholarship at Sookmyung Women's University, his wife's alma mater.

Seoul National University's annual tuition for undergraduate programs is approximately 6 million won. According to the QS 2026 rankings, the university is ranked 38th in the world, 9th in Asia, and first in South Korea.