Jeju Island, long celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, is undergoing a fascinating transformation. What began as the "workcation" trend has evolved in South Korea into the learncation – a unique blend of learning and vacation. This exciting shift means education is becoming a core part of the Jeju experience, benefiting both individuals and local communities.
Imagine being a university student, earning credits not in a stuffy lecture hall, but with the ocean breeze on your face, gaining real-world skills. This is the reality for students like Kim Seung-ju, who notes, "This is nothing like school back in Seoul." The Jeju Learncation program, launched in 2024, is actively redefining how we learn. The powerful idea behind it is simple: education isn't confined to a classroom. Through partnerships with universities and local institutions, students are diving into credit-bearing projects deeply rooted in community engagement and place-based learning. It's all about learning by doing, right where it matters most.
Renowned Jeju tea master Kim Maeng-chan, explains the history of tea and how to drink it properly, and shares the stories behind each variety at a cafe on Jeju Island. (Choi Jeong-yoon/The Korea Herald)
Students Revitalizing Communities
Consider Daejeong-eup, a quiet town on Jeju's southwestern tip facing a declining population. It's now a living laboratory for a bold experiment: can students revitalize a struggling village? The Kyung Hee University Social Innovation School project, a collaboration with the Jeju provincial government, tackles this head-on. Students earn 15 college credits by living and working in the area, directly addressing local challenges.The stakes in Daejeong-eup are palpable. The town, once a vibrant hub, is losing its youth and energy. This program strategically injects youthful dynamism and fresh perspectives. As Professor Woo Dae-sik notes, "Daejeong is on the edge... But we believe education can be a lever for community survival." Students aren't just observing; they're actively intervening.
The impact is tangible. Past projects include regional promotional videos, community art, locally branded products, and even village theme songs. Students have helped brand a tangerine farm and re-imagine local products. Another group explored how food businesses could better connect with young travelers, creating and selling original menu items at a local cafe. As 24-year-old Kang Ah-hyun puts it, "We’re here to help a place that’s fading and maybe bring some of it back to life." Locals, like cooperative leader Yang Chi-woo, genuinely appreciate this influx of creativity, admitting, "What the students saw, we hadn’t even noticed."
Learning for Every Stage of Life
The "learncation" isn't just for university students. Last winter, the Jeju Institute for Lifelong Education and Scholarshippiloted "Jeju, Reimagined," a series of adult education programs. Over 60 adults participated in short academic retreats, blending online learning with immersive in-person experiences in nature, history, and culture. These included literary tours exploring the Jeju April 3 Uprising and guided geologic walks through volcanic landscapes.As the institute's director, Koh Mi-young, observes, many people have visited Jeju multiple times. Now, the goal is to offer "something more meaningful — an opportunity to dive deeper into the island’s identity."
Looking ahead, Jeju plans to expand the program to 2,000 participants this year. New themes will include "Falling Deep for Jeju’s Haenyeo," connecting learners with the island’s famous woman divers. Discussions are also underway with public institutions and overseas universities to tailor specialized programs. Even local resources like Jeju-grown green tea are being meticulously rebranded as premium cultural assets.
Jeju’s learncation initiative is more than just an educational program; it's a testament to innovation, community spirit, and the enduring power of learning. It’s a compelling vision of how education can both enrich individual lives and breathe new vitality into the very fabric of regional communities.
Reference link: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10495648
-Reported by Hansika Arun
Intern: at The Korean Academy
Korean Analysis and Reporting
