Jeju Province Charts New Global Run-Cation Route with Partnerships from Jeju National University, George Mason University, University of Utah & Stony Brook University

On August 8 at 3:30 p.m., Jeju Province signed an MOU for activating run-cation and exchange cooperation with Jeju National University and three American institutions—George Mason University, the University of Utah, and Stony Brook University—at the provincial office, a report by Maeil Business said. Under the agreement, 25 students from the American universities visited Jeju from July 15 to 28 to attend a summer semester program at Jeju National University.

The program offered Korean language education, experiences with haenyeo, and visits to the island's natural heritage sites. Jeju Province promoted the run-cation concept since July last year by signing agreements with 15 domestic and 5 foreign universities, the report said.

The agreement marked the third step in expanding the island's global education network. Earlier arrangements with Princeton University in January and Kyoto University of Advanced Science in April set the stage for further international exchange. Fifteen Princeton students visited Jeju in June, and another 15 from Kyoto University arrived between July and August, a report by Kyunghyang Shinmun said.

The University of Utah, established in 1850 and recognized for its programs in computer engineering, medicine, and business, had an enrollment exceeding 33,000 students, the report said. George Mason University, founded in 1972 in Virginia with core courses in economics, information security, data science, political science, and international relations, had 40,000 students. Stony Brook University, established in 1957 and noted for its programs in medical technology, life sciences, computer engineering, mathematics, and physics, had over 26,000 students, according to the report. All three institutions operated Korean campuses in Incheon Songdo International City.

American university students embarked on a run-cation in Jeju that allowed them to study while enjoying travel, a concept similar to workation, a report by Kyunghyang Shinmun said.

"Jeju's run-cation is Jeju's new brand strategy of enjoying academia, healing, and education in nature together," said Governor Oh Young-hoon, according to a report by Maeil Business. "With the agreement with the three American universities, Jeju Province increased its global competitiveness in education, research, and exchange of young talents," he added, according to the report.

Under the summer program, the visiting students resided in the dormitory at Jeju National University while completing their courses and participating in run-cation activities. Students paid for dormitory fees and some program expenses while covering additional costs on their own, a report by Kyunghyang Shinmun said.

A provincial official stated, "The specific content of the program will be finalized after discussions with the universities following the signing of the agreement," according to a report by Kyunghyang Shinmun. The report noted that run-cation and workation participants tended to stay longer than regular tourists, a factor expected to boost the local economy.