Jeonnam Rural School in the Spotlight as Student Passes Seoul National University College of Medicine Entrance Exam for First Time in 46 Years

Shinan Docho High School Moon Jungwon: "Dreams Come True"
An Island Village Without Private Institutes, All Students Live in Dormitories

"Although I studied at a small school on an island, I was able to succeed thanks to the support of my teachers and friends. Above all, the love and encouragement from my family gave me the greatest strength. I have once again confirmed that if you do not give up and keep running toward your dream, it will definitely come true."

Moon Jungwon (18), a third-year student at Dochog High School, a small rural school in Shinan, Jeonnam, has made headlines this year by being accepted through the early admission process to Seoul National University College of Medicine.

According to Dochog High School on the 21st, Moon was listed as a successful candidate for the 2025 early admission to Seoul National University College of Medicine. Dochog High School, a small school in an island village with a population of about 2,300, is more than five hours away from Seoul and is located 54.5 km southwest of Mokpo. The total number of students is 160, and there are only 44 seniors preparing for college entrance exams.

A banner congratulating Jungwon Moon, a third-year student at Dochogod High School in Sinan, on her final acceptance to Seoul National University College of Medicine for the 2025 academic year is displayed. Photo provided by Jungwon Moon's family.

Born and raised here, Moon attended elementary, middle, and high school all in the same place and has never missed being ranked first in her class since the first year of middle school. Those around her describe Moon as having a quiet personality but say she is highly focused and responsible, always seeing her tasks through to the end.

Moon's goal of attending Seoul National University began in earnest after she participated in an English language program in the United States organized by Shinan County for students when she was in her first year of middle school. From her first year of high school, she actively researched life sciences, which she had always been interested in, through a life science club, preparing for admission to medical school. Although her family and acquaintances tried to dissuade her due to difficult family circumstances at the time, she remained firm in her desire to attend medical school.

With the determination that "even if I fail to get into my desired university, I will study again and make it in," Moon gave her all to her studies. As a result, she was also accepted to two other medical schools and one college of pharmacy besides Seoul National University, earning great honor.

Moon's father expressed both pride and concern, saying he felt sorry that his daughter had matured so early for her age. He said, "Last year, our family went through a very difficult time. My daughter must have suffered more than anyone, but I am just grateful that she overcame it and gave us such a wonderful result. Although I may be lacking, I feel there is nothing I wouldn't do for my beloved daughter."

Dochog High School Principal Jeon Injae praised Moon, saying, "She is a very calm and composed student. She has a stronger willpower than anyone and is never swayed by her surroundings. Even though there are no proper private academies on this island, she studied on her own and never missed being ranked first in her class."

He added, "Dochog High School plans to award Moon a scholarship of 10 million won. Starting this year, we will give scholarships to students admitted to Seoul National University using 100 million won donated by a Dochog High School alumnus. Since 2008, Dochog High School has been designated as a boarding school, and all students live in the dormitory due to the difficulty of commuting. Teachers are fully dedicated to guiding students who study late into the night in the dormitory."