KOREA FOUNDATION

Youth Workcamps Held on 9 Islands in South Jeolla Province

From June to August, volunteers’ workcamps organized by the International Workcamp Organization (IWO) were held on nine islands in South Jeolla Province, bringing youth from around the world to Korea.

Established in 1999, the IWO conducts comprehensive educational and local development projects that utilize its expertise in international exchange and volunteering in cooperation with 174 youth and global development corps in 87 countries. The term “workcamp” refers to the century-old international program of volunteering in which people of diverse nationalities and cultures participate in volunteer activities and cultural exchange under select themes.

This year, the IWO held its International Youth Island Workcamp on nine islands including Jang Island and Seon Island, exploring and promoting the islands’ value and stories from a “glocal” perspective and connecting the young volunteers to the resources and needs of the communities on each island. The event was based on a survey of each area to ensure harmony among the diverse perspectives and abilities of the volunteers and the program’s completion with the participation of island residents.

On Gijeomsoak Island, which has Shinan Getbol, or tidal flats designated as UNESCO Cultural Heritage, participants sought to promote the value and preservation of the island. On Gwanmae Island , they removed coastal waste and painted dumpsters for recyclables in cooperation with the Dadohae Marine and Coastal National Park Service.

The workcamp allowed firsthand access to the nature, culture, and people of Korea by youth from across the globe, and they experienced solidarity through volunteer service.

Volunteers participate at the IWO workcamp on Gwanmae Island.

International Workcamp OrganizationIWOYouth WorkcampsSouth Jeolla ProvinceIslandsvolunteer activitiescultural exchangeJang IslandSeon Island