"We'll learn the value of hard work."

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) dispatched the nation's largest number of students to rural volunteer activities to help address labor shortages during the summer season.

On July 11, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., JBNU held the opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Rural Volunteer Activities at the University Academic and Cultural Center and launched the volunteer program.

Approximately 1,600 students are participating in this year's rural volunteer activities, the largest number in the university's history.

In particular, students are volunteering not only in farming villages but also in fishing villages in the Gochang area. With the opening of the Gochang Campus this year, the university aims to extend its service as a regional hub to more communities.

From July 11 to July 17, 2012, 787 members of the JBNU Student Council will assist farmers in 23 villages in Muju County and 23 villages in Jinan County, while 356 students from the JBNU Student Club Association will participate in service in 17 fishing villages in Gochang County.

In addition, about 500 students from departments within the College of Humanities, the College of Natural Science, the College of Engineering, and the College of Human Ecology will participate in volunteer activities in 16 villages in the Imsil area from July 16 to July 22, 2012.

President Seo Geoseok said, "As someone once said, sweet love may be on the tip of the tongue, but true love is felt at the fingertips; genuine love can only be given through action. I applaud the students who volunteered to promote JBNU's excellence by committing themselves to feel the value of hard work. I hope they gain an understanding of rural realities and return having learned a great deal."

Meanwhile, on July 16, President Seo Geoseok visited Banghwa Village and Anbang Village in Jinan County to encourage the rural volunteer students and assist with their work. He joined mural painting and weeding activities, garnering a strong response.