– Sungshin supports international students with diverse community engagement programs

Sungshin Women’s University (President Seong Keun Yi) announced that on July 11, international students took part in a plogging volunteer activity—jogging while picking up litter—around the Seongbukcheon area, contributing to environmental cleanup in the local community.

The activity ran from 5 PM to 7 PM and involved international students from seven different countries currently enrolled in language programs, undergraduate, and graduate courses at the university. The group also included students on the Government Scholarship for International Students (GKS), reflecting broad voluntary participation from the international student community. Co-organized by the Office of International Exchange Programs and the Sungshin International Student Association (SISA), the event was designed to give international students the opportunity to experience their role as active and responsible members of the local community.

Participants carried out cleanup activities for about an hour, starting near Seongbukcheon—close to Sungshin’s campus—and continuing to the Bomun-dong Community Service Center. Divided into teams, they collected litter along the stream, contributing to the cleanliness of the area and strengthening bonds with local residents.

Sungshin Women’s University continues to operate a variety of programs to support international students in adapting successfully to life in Korea and to build organic relationships with the surrounding community. SISA, run in partnership with the Office of International Exchange Programs, organizes year-round support and exchange events such as orientation for new and transfer students, a global festival, sports day, and career development programs. The plogging activity was also part of these ongoing efforts.

International students who participated in the event shared their thoughts:

“It was a meaningful experience to contribute to environmental protection alongside local residents,” and

“I felt proud to be giving back to Korean society while engaging in this activity with fellow international friends.”

Lee Hyung-min, Director of the Office of International Affairs at Sungshin Women’s University, stated,

“We plan to continue expanding social participation programs so that international students can grow into responsible members of Korean society beyond their academic pursuits.”