Seoul National University, led by President Honglim Ryu, launched the "1,000 Won Meal" fundraising campaign to ensure the stable operation of the 1,000 Won Meal program for current students. To achieve successful fundraising, the university, in collaboration with the Seoul National University Student Council will conduct a 100-person donation relay starting on September 19, 2023 (Tuesday).

*(Fundraising Campaign Name) 1,000 Won Meal

Seoul National University initiated the 1,000 Won Meal (breakfast) program in June 2015 and expanded it to include dinner in March 2016. Since January 2018, it has further expanded to cover lunch, allowing all enrolled students to enjoy a nutritious meal for just 1,000 won. After the pandemic, this year saw a large return to on-campus activities due to the easing of the COVID-19, however the rise in the cost of living has led to increased demand among students in their efforts to reduce the economic burden on food expenses. Consequently, the number of 1,000 Won Meal users** and the university's support budget*** have significantly increased. This has prompted Seoul National University to consider the need for the fundraising.

**(1,000 Won Meal Users)
2022. 1. ~ 2022. 12. 277,526 people,
2023. 1. ~ 2023. 7. 231,452 people

***(1,000 Won Meal Support Budget)
2022. 1. ~ 2022. 12. 570,279 million won,
2023. 1. ~ 2023. 7. 504,459 million won

Source: Seoul National University Student Affairs Welfare Division

President Honglim Ryu stated, "Through the stable operation of the 1,000 Won Meal program for students, we hope to ease their financial burdens and promote student health and academic advancement. Furthermore, the ongoing implementation of this program is a positive way to promote the consumption of domestically-produced rice and address agricultural social issues with the government."

On September 19, 2023 (Tuesday), at the Student Union Building restaurant on the Gwanak Campus, Seoul National University held a donation relay event with the participation of 100 key figures from the university, including President Honglim Ryu, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Kim Seong-Kyu, Executive Vice President of Planning and Communication Yun Young-ho and Deans. The donation relay will be carried out through a digital fundraising box, newly adopted at Seoul National University.

The Student Union Building at Seoul National University is not only utilized by university members but also attracts many visitors to the campus outside*. Therefore, Seoul National University Foundation officials anticipate active participation in the donation relay through the digital fundraising box. Lee Joon-Hwan, Executive Director of the Foundation, said, "This fundraising event is a very meaningful event in which Seoul National University members voluntarily participated. We will continue to plan and activate valuable fundraising campaigns for the development of our university."

* (Student Union Building Restaurant Usage: 2023.1. ~ 2023. 6.)

University members: 406,217 people, Non-members: 40,950 people

Source: Seoul National University Cooperative

Translated by
InKyung Bae (Department of English Language and Literature)