A unique scholarship program is causing a stir in the Korean student community as the prestigious Seoul National University (SNU) announced the “Misan Mountain Climbing Scholarship”, awarding 700,000 won (about 13 million VND) to students who complete 6 mountain climbing trips, regardless of academic performance or extracurricular activities.

According to a notice from the SNU Student Affairs Office, applications for the program are open from July 8 to 18 for both undergraduate and graduate students. The only criteria for the scholarship is that students must complete six climbs from a list of more than 100 mountains designated by the university. Mountains with cable cars are not included.

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Seoul National University (South Korea) caused a stir when it announced a mountain climbing scholarship, awarding 700,000 won (about 13 million VND) to students who complete 6 mountain climbing trips, regardless of academic performance or extracurricular activities. Photo: Haeahn architecture

Students who complete 3 to 5 mountains will still have the chance to receive a scholarship of 300,000 won (about 5.5 million VND). The deadline to complete the challenge lasts from early August to the end of 2025.

In less than 2 weeks, the number of applications has reached nearly 1,500, far exceeding the 70 expected scholarships, equivalent to a competition ratio of more than 1/20. This is an impressive number for a new form of scholarship, demonstrating the appeal of combining education , sports and practical experience for modern students.

“This scholarship attracts students because it is different, not based on grades or achievements, but focuses on physical activities, health and spirit. It creates opportunities for students to explore themselves outside the library and lecture halls,” commented an SNU official.

The man behind this unique scholarship program is Mr. Kwon Jun-ha (81 years old), Director of Iksan Cargo Center and a former student of SNU's Economics Department. The program is called the "Misan Mountain Climbing Scholarship", in which Misan is not the name of a specific mountain but Mr. Kwon's pen name.

Mr. Kwon shared that the idea of ​​the scholarship comes from the desire that the current generation of students will not only bury their heads in books but also care about their physical and mental health. “I hope that they will create beautiful memories and form healthy living habits, developing their intelligence along with their physical strength. Going to university is not just about studying in the library but also about experiencing and training yourself,” he said.

Observers say the “Misan Mountain Climbing” scholarship program is not only a reward for students’ efforts, but also emphasizes the importance of balancing between study and health, between knowledge and practical experience.

In the context of high academic pressure at Korean universities in general and at SNU in particular, establishing a form of encouragement for students to take care of their physical and mental health has profound educational significance. It contributes to reducing stress, enhancing physical fitness, and developing time management skills and independence - essential factors for success in future studies and careers.

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The person behind the "mountain climbing scholarship" is Mr. Kwon Jun-ha (81 years old), a former student of SNU. Photo: SNU

The program's lack of academic or extracurricular requirements is a novel approach that allows students who may not have had the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities through traditional scholarship programs to still be recognized.

According to education experts, these types of programs contribute to diversifying the concept of achievement, not just numbers on paper but also actual efforts, life skills and perseverance.

This is a reflection of a new educational trend where life skills, health and practical experience are placed on par with academic knowledge.

Kwon Jun-ha also plans to implement a similar program at Sookmyung Women's University, where his wife studied. He said that, given the enthusiastic response from students, he is considering expanding the number of scholarships and encouraging other schools to follow this model to promote health training and practical experience in the university environment.

Seoul National University is currently the top university in Korea, with an average undergraduate tuition fee of 6,034,163 won (over 115 million VND)/year, according to the school's website. According to the QS 2026 rankings, SNU is ranked 38th in the world, 9th in Asia and number 1 among Korean universities. In the context of increasingly fierce international education competition, introducing new scholarship initiatives that focus on comprehensive development helps SNU strengthen its reputation and attract dynamic and creative students.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/danh-tinh-nguoi-dung-sau-dai-hoc-trao-hoc-bong-lon-cho-sinh-vien-leo-6-ngon-nui-2436660.html