Post-Corona Spring Picnic ... The Warm Journey of 'Hyejinwon and UNIST'

UNIST.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] University campuses, which had been closed due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, are reopening. Along with the resumption of in-person lectures, festivals and events are also making a comeback, and UNIST is preparing to welcome special guests.

On the 20th, the social welfare facility ‘Hyejinwon’ located in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, will visit the UNIST campus.

Fifty residents and teachers from Hyejinwon will take a walk around the campus guided by UNIST students and staff, and will also watch student performances.

The visit originated from a delivery of consolation goods from UNIST at the end of last year.

At that time, Hyejinwon expressed difficulties in residents’ outdoor activities due to COVID-19 preventive measures, and the UNIST Office of External Cooperation promised to invite them to the campus once the COVID-19 situation improved.

Lee Myung-in, Director of the UNIST Office of External Cooperation, said, “Upon hearing that social distancing measures are being eased, I recalled our promise with Hyejinwon and prepared the ‘Hyejinwon Invitation Event’ with the Student Affairs Office. I hope the residents of Hyejinwon, who must have felt confined for two years, enjoy a happy time walking around the UNIST campus and watching a small performance.”

The event, titled ‘A Spring Day Walk at UNIST with Hyejinwon,’ was promoted through active participation of UNIST students.

When a UNIST student team posted information about Hyejinwon, students wishing to volunteer gathered from the student ambassadors ‘UNI’ and the volunteer club ‘Danbi.’

Performance clubs ‘Melting Point’ and ‘Unplugged’ also decided to donate their talents for the residents of Hyejinwon.

Kim Beom-su, president of Danbi, said, “I am proud that UNIST members are participating in this meaningful event, the first since COVID-19. I want to help the residents of Hyejinwon, our close neighbors, create good memories on campus.”

Jang In-gyu, president of Melting Point, said, “We will present the best performance so that UNIST’s warm hearts can be conveyed to Hyejinwon. I am excited as this is the first performance in nearly two years since the outbreak of COVID-19.”

In response to this momentum, staff members also agreed to assist with the residents’ walks and meal support.

Yoon Sae-ra, Director of the UNIST Student Affairs Office, said, “The campus preparing to welcome guests after a long time feels much more lively. We will continue to organize activities that help restore daily life after COVID-19 together with our neighbors.”

Hyejinwon, preparing for the walk, gladly accepted UNIST’s invitation.

Kim Tae-baek, Director of Hyejinwon, said, “Thank you for inviting us to this warm spring outing. I expect that the residents with disabilities living in the facility will have a time to nourish their body and mind while socializing in the beautiful UNIST campus.”

Hyejinwon is a residential facility for people with severe disabilities established in 2001 in Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, currently housing a total of 39 residents.