Home > National > K-campus

Sejong University taps into running trend with elective for international students

Published: 13 Apr. 2026, 17:06 Updated: 14 Apr. 2026, 15:56

LEE TAE-HEE
[email protected]

Students taking the Running & Korean Culture course run in Seoul Children's Grand Park. [SEJONG UNIVERSITY]

Running has been a growing trend in Korea, and Sejong University created an opportunity for international students to try it as a hobby while earning course credits.

The school announced Monday it opened the Running & Korean Culture course for this spring semester, a one-credit elective course held twice a week. Only international students can sign up, and the course is taught in English.

Through the course, students learn the basics of running such as stretching, how to maintain an ideal running posture and pace control, while also running with each other around Seoul Children's Grand Park, located right across the street from the school's main gate in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul.

The course also aims to help international students learn about Korean culture by playing games such as the "Mugunghwa Flower Has Blossomed," a Korean game similar to the "Red Light, Green Light" game played in Western countries.

Students participating in the Running & Korean Culture course play ″Mugunghwa Flower Has Blossomed,″ a Korean game similar to the "Red Light, Green Light" game played in Western countries. [SEJONG UNIVERSITY]

"You need to provide more than simple support to international students, helping them actually experience Korean society and culture," said Eom Jong-hwa, the president of Sejong University. "Sejong University is also trying to offer education beyond classrooms, expanding the learning experience to various places in the city and our local community."

Sejong University plans to continue to create educational programs taking place in local venues nearby.

"The course is an example of a university and public facility working together to provide educational programs while ensuring orderly use for the public," said Son Sung-il, the head of Seoul Children's Grand Park. "We think the program is a positive one that will help international students naturally get familiar with their local community."

BY LEE TAE-HEE [[email protected]]