Campus tours led by current university students set for Nov. 14 at Seoul National University, Yonsei University and Hanyang University
Program expands eligibility to fifth-graders this year, recruiting 120 participants; new arts and physical education track added
Seongdong-gu in Seoul will begin accepting applications Monday for its "Youth Dream-Catcher University Tour Program," designed to give students a firsthand look at campus life and help them explore future career paths.
The program takes students directly onto university campuses, where they interact with current students to get answers about majors and admissions and receive hands-on guidance for mapping out their futures.
This year, the district expanded eligibility from second-year middle school students to include fifth-grade elementary school students, reflecting the broader range of interests and career aspirations among younger participants. A new track focused on arts and physical education has also been added.
The tours will take place Nov. 14 at three universities — Seoul National University, Yonsei University and Hanyang University. Students currently enrolled at schools within Seongdong-gu, from fifth grade through second-year high school, are eligible to apply. Each university will accept 40 students on a first-come, first-served basis, for a total of 120 spots.
Participants choose one of the three universities and join a group of five students led by a current student mentor from that school. The tour includes a campus walkthrough, introductions to academic programs and majors, study strategies for key subjects, and career and admissions counseling — giving students a realistic picture of university life along with practical advice.
This year, one group each at Hanyang University's College of Physical Education and Seoul National University's College of Fine Arts will be set aside for students interested in pursuing arts or sports-related fields. The initiative aims to let students explore the academic environment of their chosen field and connect directly with students already studying in those programs.
Applications open Monday at 9 a.m. and close Nov. 6 at noon through Naver Forms, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seongdong-gu District Mayor Yoo Bo-hwa said she hopes the program will inspire the district's young people to set bigger goals and take charge of their own futures. "We will continue to provide diverse, tailored education support that nurtures each student's individual talents and dreams," she said.
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