Only Our Region Has a 'Sasang Gardener'... Kyungnam College of Information Launches National Garden Long-Awaited Project

Operation of Local Garden Expert Program in Cooperation with Sasang-gu

"We are looking for residents to help cultivate the local garden."

A university is attracting attention by running a workforce training program in collaboration with the local government to solve long-standing regional issues.

Kyungnam College of Information & Technology (President Kim Taesang) announced on the 20th that it is operating the "Sasang Gardener Professional Training Program" for adult learners together with Sasang District, Busan (District Mayor Cho Byunggil).

This program is designed to train experts to support the region's most pressing project, as Samnak Ecological Park, Busan's first local garden, is in the process of being designated as a national garden.

The Sasang Gardener Professional Training Program is being conducted as part of the Higher Vocational Education Base District (HiVE) project, a consortium between Kyungnam College of Information & Technology and Sasang District Office.

The program consists of a 68-hour basic course and a 52-hour advanced course, totaling 120 hours. The basic course covers fundamental theories and field training related to gardens, while the advanced course is open only to those who have completed the basic course and includes practical training in garden design, creation, and management.

In the basic course, 28 people completed the program, including 21 residents of Sasang District and 7 from other areas, and the advanced course is currently underway. Sasang District Office plans to issue certificates to program graduates, allowing them to serve as "Sasang Gardeners," representing the region.

Last August, Busan City registered and announced a 2.5 million square meter riverside area of Nakdong River Samnak Dunchi as the "No. 1 Busan Nakdong River Local Garden" and is striving to have it designated as the third national garden, following Suncheonman National Garden and Taehwagang National Garden.

Sasang District established the "Sasang District Garden Culture Creation and Promotion Ordinance" to lay the foundation for revitalizing the local garden industry and fostering professionals in the field. Kyungnam College of Information & Technology is participating by operating the "Sasang Gardener Professional Training Program."

Lim Junwoo, head of the HiVE project group at Kyungnam College of Information & Technology, said, "The HiVE project is an initiative by the Ministry of Education to promote mutual growth between universities and local communities through cooperation and collaboration between vocational colleges and local governments. As this program best fits the purpose of the project, we are doing our utmost to ensure that Samnak Ecological Park can be designated as a national garden."