Keimyung University Leads Local Residential Environment Improvement with Academic Expertise

Keimyung University, under the leadership of President Shin Ilhee, is expanding its role as a "university revitalizing the local community" through community engagement activities that return the university's academic expertise to society as a local asset.

On the 24th, Keimyung University held a "Hope Flower Garden" event at Wolseong Jugong Apartment Complex 2 in Dalseo District, Daegu, in collaboration with Dalseo District Office and the LH Daegu Regional Headquarters.

Keimyung University held a "Hope Flower Garden" creation event on the 24th in collaboration with Dalseo District Office and LH Daegu Regional Headquarters. Photo by Keimyung University

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This project was pursued in connection with the "Daegu Metropolitan City Regional Innovation-led University Support System (RISE)" initiative. It is a governance-based social contribution model, led by the university with cooperation from local governments and public institutions.

The goal is to improve the residential environment and provide emotional support for residents of permanent rental apartments.

The garden design and construction were carried out by students from the Department of Ecological Landscape Architecture at Keimyung University.

Seventeen undergraduates participated, applying their academic expertise to the field under the guidance of Professor Jeong Haejun, combining hands-on training with practical education.

Additionally, Dr. Kim Sujin, a landscaping expert from ReKion, offered professional advice, while Professor Park Minseok from the Jisan Academic Talent Center provided administrative support. Through this approach, the project linked major-related education with solutions to local community issues.

The event was attended by Choi Haeun, Dean of Student Affairs at Keimyung University, Lee Taehun, Mayor of Dalseo District, Jeon Hwajin, Director of the Haksan Community Welfare Center, as well as other project officials and student volunteers.

The Dalseo District Office oversaw the overall administration, while LH contributed by providing the site, heavy equipment, and basic construction, significantly enhancing the execution of the project.

The Haksan Community Welfare Center also participated in on-site volunteering, strengthening collaboration with the local community.

Donghyun Kwak (male, third-year student in Ecological Landscape Architecture) said, "It was meaningful to apply what I learned in my major to the local community. I felt rewarded seeing residents experience the changes firsthand, and I want to continue participating in activities that contribute to the community in the future."

Keimyung University's community contribution efforts are also expanding into rural areas.

The Department of Ecological Landscape Architecture established a children's playground in Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo in 2023, completed an access ramp at the Daejeong-ri Village Hall in Cheongdo in 2024, and recently, the department's club LMPD was selected for the "2026 Rural Talent Sharing University Student Activity Support Project" organized by the Korea University Council for Social Service.

Through this initiative, students plan to engage in environmental improvement activities in Ungok-ri Village, Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province-home to National Important Agricultural Heritage No. 10-until December this year, taking the lead in preserving the value of rural communities.

Meanwhile, since 2005, Keimyung University has operated the nonprofit organization "Keimyung 1% Sharing Love," based on the voluntary donation of 1% of salaries by faculty and staff.

This organization is involved in various social contribution activities, including scholarship support, assistance for patients with intractable diseases, and emergency relief, thereby spreading a culture of sharing at the university.

In addition, since 2020, the "Extended University Projects (EUP)," a major-integrated social contribution initiative, has established itself as a model for solving social issues based on academic expertise. As of 2025, a total of 74 teams and 1,621 participants have contributed to the local community through this program.

Dalhyun Do, Director of the Keimyung Caritas Volunteer Center and Chairperson of the Keimyung 1% Sharing Love Steering Committee, stated, "Student-led activities to address community issues are driving real changes on the ground. We will continue to fulfill our social responsibility by returning our academic expertise to the local community."

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