Achievements of the Gardener Training Program at the Vocational Education Innovation Center
“A Case of Education Extending into the Field”
Graduates of the “Sasang Gardener Professional Training Program” at the Vocational Education Innovation Center of the RISE Project Group at Gyeongnam Information University have demonstrated the effectiveness of practical, hands-on garden education by winning the Grand Prize and the Excellence Award at the recently held “2025 Busan Nakdong River Garden Big Palm Garden Contest.”
According to Gyeongnam Information University on November 7, this contest was hosted by the city of Busan under the theme “Three Joys Garden Festa” with the slogan “Joyful Movements, Samrak!” The aim was to discover creative garden designs that harmonize with the natural environment of Samrak Ecological Park.
The “Terrain Designers” club, consisting of graduates from Gyeongnam Information University, won the Grand Prize with their work “Where the Clear Wind Stays,” while the “GREEN4U” team received the Excellence Award for their piece “Migratory Birds Settle in Samrak.”
Graduates of the Garden Designer Course at Gyeongnam Information University pose in front of their work, which won an award at the Busan Nakdong River Garden Competition. Provided by Gyeongnam Information University
Drawing inspiration from the wind of the Nakdong River and the resting places of migratory birds, they artistically expressed the flow and vitality of nature, embodying the coexistence of urban ecology and humanity through design, which earned high praise from the judges.
This achievement is the result of graduates continuing their activities in learning clubs and receiving ongoing guidance from faculty even after completing the program.
Chae Haesuk from the Grand Prize-winning team shared, “It was a meaningful experience to apply what I learned in the field and to communicate with the local natural environment. I was once again reminded that gardens can serve as a bridge between people and nature.”
Professor Shin Suan, who advised the Department of Environmental Landscape Design, commented, “The fact that the learning club achieved direct results in this contest is a meaningful example of education extending into the field. I hope our graduates will play a leading role in spreading garden culture in the region.”
Lim Junwoo, Head of the RISE Project Group (Vice President of Industry-Academia Affairs), emphasized, “This award demonstrates that lifelong vocational education has established itself as a practical model connecting the local community and the field. We will expand regionally tailored programs to strengthen our role as a leading community college representing Busan.”
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