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[11월][농생대 주요 소식] 대한민국 산림녹화와 산림계의 재조명: 강규석 교수님 인터뷰

대한민국 산림녹화와 산림계의 재조명 심포지엄은 지난 11월 5일 서울대학교 201동에서 농업생명과학대학, 산림청, 한국산림과학회의 주도로 주최되었다. 이번 심포지엄은 올해 4월 유네스코 세계기록유산으로 공식 등재된 대한민국 산림녹화 기록물에 대한 기념으로 기획된 것이다. 나날이 중요해지는 대한민국 산림에 대한 이야기를 더 많은 학우들에게 전하고자 지정토론의 좌장으로 참여하신 강규석 교수님을 찾아뵈어 인터뷰하였다.

강규석 교수님은 서울대 농생대 산림과학부에서 산림유전학, 임목육종학, 산림치유학, 산림약용식물학 등을 강의하고 연구 중이다. 1984년도에 서울대학교 농대 임학과에 입학하여, 동 대학에서 석사학위를 취득하였다. 스웨덴 국립농업과하대학(SLU)에서 박사학위를 취득하였으며, 산림청 임목육종연구소, 국립산림과학원 등에서 근무한 경험이 있다.

Q1. 과거의 산림녹화 정책이 오늘날 생물 다양성과 생태계에 미친 영향
우리나라는 1970년대부터 1990년대까지의 대대적인 산림녹화 사업을 통해 황폐했던 산림을 성공적으로 복원한 세계적인 모범사례로 꼽힌다. 이 성공은 경제적 요인, 새마을운동과 같은 사회적 요인, 그리고 도시화로 인한 인간 간섭 감소 등 생태적 요인이 복합적으로 작용한 결과이다. 경제적으로는 지속적인 농업 생산성 향상과 연료원 공급 안정화가, 사회적으로는 정부 주도로 나무심기 사업이 진행되며, 이 과정에서 많은 국민이 참여하여 국토녹화에 이바지하였다.
산림은 목재 생산, 수자원 함양, 재해 방지 등 경제적·환경적·사회적 기능을 수행한다. 주요 기능으로는 이산화탄소를 흡수하고 산소를 배출해 기후를 조절하는 역할, 물을 정화하고 공급하여 수자원을 보전하는 역할, 산사태·산불 등 재해를 막는 역할 등이 있다. 또한, 숲은 휴식 공간을 제공하고 생물 다양성을 보전하며, 생활 환경을 쾌적하게 만드는 등 다양한 공익적 가치를 지닌다. 산림녹화 성공으로 우리나라는 동식물이 다양해졌고, 산림 및 하천 생태계도 안정화되었다.

Q2. 이번 유네스코 세계기록유산으로 등재된 '대한민국 산림녹화 기록물'의 가장 핵심적인 가치는?
1970년대 이후 30년 동안 약 110억 그루 이상의 나무를 심어 산림의 황폐화를 극복했으며, 현재 우리나라 산림 면적은 국토의 약 62.6%를 차지한다. 이러한 한국의 성공적인 산림녹화 과정은 유네스코 세계기록유산으로 등재되었으며, 기후 위기 극복을 위한 전 세계적 노력에 중요한 교훈을 주고 있다고 밝혔다. 그 결과, 우리나라는 개발도상국 위치에서 단기간에 경제적으로 산업화, 정치적으로 민주화, 환경적으로 산림녹화를 달성한 국가로 평가받고 있으며 산림녹화 기록물은 정부와 민간의 협력적인 거버넌스를 통해 성과를 거둔 모범 사례로, 개발도상국 공무원을 대상으로 한 교육·훈련, 또는 산림 ODA 사업 등 다양한 국제협력사업에 활용할 수 있다. 더 나아가 기후변화 대응, 사막화 방지, 산림생태계 복원 등 인류가 처한 기후변화 및 다양한 환경 문제에 활용할 수 있다는 점에서 중요한 가치를 지니고 있다. 앞으로 자라나는 젊은 세대들에게도 중요한 역사적 자료와 교훈이 될 것이며, 훌륭한 교재로도 널리 활용될 것이라고 하였다.

Q3. 산림녹화 성공 경험이 현재와 미래의 산림정책과 충분히 연결되지 못하고 있다는 지적에 대한 생각
금년 4월 산림녹화 기록물이 세계사적 가치를 인정받았다. 즉, 제221차 유네스코(UNESCO) 집행이사회에서 대한민국 산림녹화 기록물을 세계기록유산으로 공식 등재하기로 한 것인데, 이는 국제사회가 우리나라 산림녹화 활동과 기록물을 크게 인정하였음을 뜻한다고 전했다. 산림녹화 기록물은 황폐한 산림을 녹화하기 위해 대한민국에서 추진된 산림녹화 사업에 관한 기록물이다. 우리나라 산림녹화에 있어 정부 뿐만아니라 산림계를 비롯한 민간, 학계, 전문연구자 등이 크게 기여했으며, 크게 평가받고 있다. 그러나 우리 미래세대에게 앞으로 무엇을, 어떻게 전달해야 할지, 특히 최근 대형화되는 산불, 산사태, 돌발 병해충 등 각종 재해에 대비한 산림관리, 기후변화 대응 수종 갱신, 산림복지 증진을 위한 산림생태계 서비스 증진 등을 산림정책에 적극 반영해야 할 것이라고 덧붙였다.

Q4. 기후 변화로 인해 산불 등의 산림 재해가 점점 심각해지고 있는 요즈음, 대한민국 산림청에서 이러한 위기에 대응하기 위해 개발 중인 산림 기술/연구
산불 예방을 위한 홍보, 교육, 연구 등이 적극 이루어지고 있으며, 산불 진화를 위한 장비(복장, 기계, 항공기 등) 구축, 내화수종 개발 등이 진행되고 있다고 하였다. 아울러 민-관-지자체 등이 협동으로 산불을 진화하는 시스템 구축 등이 확립되어 있다고 한다.

Q5. 경제적 이용이 필요한 산림과 보호 가치가 높은 산림 사이의 균형은 어떻게 설정되어야 하는지
최근 이슈 가운데 가장 큰 것 중의 하나가 바로 개발(이용) 그리고 보존(보호) 사이의 적절한 균형을 잡는 것인데, 이에 대해 경제적으로 이용할 부분은 적극적으로 개발하여 활용하고, 생태계·유전자원 등이 중요한 산림은 또 잘 보존하고 복원하는 산림정책이 필요할 것이라 말했다. 이를 위해서는 개발과 보존이 모두 필요하는 국민적 인식개선을 위한 산림청 등 중앙 정부의 적극행적이 필요하다고 전했다.

이렇게 대한민국 산림녹화에 대한 서울대학교 강규석 교수님의 소중한 의견과 생각을 들어보았다. 공통적으로 언급하신 점은 우리나라 산림에 대한 사람들의 인식이 제고되었으면 하는 바람과 이용과 보호 사이의 적절한 균형이다. 마지막으로, 이번 기사를 통해 많은 사람들이 ‘숲’=‘보호구역’이라는 선입에서 벗어나 우리나라 산림의 다양한 가치를 깨달았으면 한다.

22기 최영화, 23기 이선재

[4월][학부 부속시설 소식] 서울대-안양시 관악수목원 협약 체결 관련 수목원장님 인터뷰

올해 2월 20일, 국립대학법인 서울대학교와 안양시 간 ‘관악수목원 전면 개방 및 국유재산 무상양여를 위해 법적 효력이 있는 업무협약(MOA)’을 체결했다. 이번 협약은 서울대 관악수목원의 상시 개방과 국유재산 무상 양여를 포함한 중요한 합의로, 양측의 공식적인 지지를 바탕으로 법적 이행력을 갖춘 협정으로 체결되었다. 협약에 따라 90ha에 달하는 미양여 국유재산이 서울대학교의 품으로 돌아올 예정이다. 특히 2011년 서울대학교의 법인화 이후 답보 상태에 있던 수목원 및 학술림에 대한 무상양여의 첫걸음을 떼었다는 점에서 큰 의의가 있다.

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수목원장직을 역임하고 계신 산림 환경학전공 임상준 교수님을 만나 이번 협약에 대해 자세한 이야기를 들어보았다.



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-본교와 안양시 간 관악수목원 업무 협약을 맺게 된 계기가 무엇인가요?

2011년 국립대학 법인화 과정에서 서울대학교가 교육 및 연구 목적으로 계속 사용하고 관리하던 시설에 대한 소유권을 넘겨받지 못한 부분이 많습니다. 대표적인 시설이 학술림과 수목원으로, 서울대학교 측에서는 무상양여를 받기 위해 지속적으로 노력해 오고 있습니다. 전국적으로 분포한 시설 중, 시민사회와 우호적인 관계를 맺고 있는 안양시에 있는 ‘관악수목원’부터 협의를 시작하여 무상양여 합의 절차에 이르게 되었습니다.

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-이번 업무 협약 과정에 관해 설명해 주세요

현재 서울대학교 학술림 및 수목원에서 사용하고 관리하는 토지는 국유지로 교육부의 관리하에 저희가 위탁 사용하는 형태입니다. 국유재산을 관리하는 기획재정부는 지역사회와의 협의가 이루어진다면 일부 면적에 대해 기꺼이 무상양여하겠다는 입장을 보이고 있습니다. 안양시도 국유재산은 법적으로 지방자치단체가 소유할 수 없어 서울대에 소유권이 이전되더라도 손실이 없으므로 양측 모두 무상양여에 긍정적인 태도로 협상을 진행했습니다. 다만, 안양시는 관악수목원 일부 구역에 대한 상시 개방을 요청하여 상시 개방에 관한 내용을 협약에 추가하게 되었습니다. 현재는 숲 체험이나 현장교육 등 특정 목적에 따른 사전 예약자만 입장을 허용하고 있는데, 앞으로는 국립수목원처럼 신청하면 누구나 올 수 있도록 개방할 예정입니다. ‘상시 개방’의 구체적인 실현 방안은 현재 조정 중에 있습니다.

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-이번에 무상양여 받게 된 관악수목원에 관해 소개 부탁드립니다.

관악수목원은 대한민국 최초의 수목원으로, 관악수목원이 생김으로써 우리나라는 전 세계에서 72번째로 수목원을 가진 나라가 되었습니다. 역사성과 더불어 관악수목원이 가진 자원의 가치도 의미가 깊습니다. 우리 수목원은 식물의 유전자원을 관리하고 보호하는 목적으로 운영되고 있으며, 나무의 채집, 식재 등 제반 이력을 철저하게 관리하고 있습니다. 관악수목원의 식물들은 외국과 종자 교류를 할 때 사용하는 등 일반적인 나무의 가치를 넘어 고유명사 ‘나무’로서 값을 매길 수 없을 정도로 귀중한 자원입니다.

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-다른 학술림과 수목원의 경우 무상양여 논의가 어느 단계까지 이루어졌나요?

서울대학교의 2011년 법인화 후 미양여 국유재산은 총 18,670.8ha에 달합니다. 그중 학술림은 경기도 수원·화성의 칠보산 학술림, 경기도 광주의 태화산 학술림, 그리고 전라남도 광양의 지리산부터 백운산에 해당하는 남부 학술림이 있습니다. 전체는 아니더라도 기존 관리 면적의 10%가량이라도 되찾아 오는 게 저희의 목표입니다. 나머지 학술림에 대한 논의는 아직 시작 단계이고, 사실 많은 어려움이 있습니다. 광양의 남부학술림의 경우에도 정치인을 위시한 지역사회에서 남부 학술림을 국립공원으로 개발하고자 하는 이해관계가 저희의 입장과 충돌하여 많은 반발이 있었습니다.

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국립대학법인 서울대학교 설립 운영에 관한 법률에 따르면 지방자치단체나 국가가 필요한 경우 국유재산 및 물품을 무상으로 양도할 수 있다고 나와 있습니다. 법적으로 무상양여가 필수가 아니고 정부 측에서도 지역사회의 동의를 얻어야 저희가 관리하던 시설의 소유권을 양여할 수 있다는 입장이기 때문에, 지속적으로 지역사회와 논의해 가며 풀어나가야 할 문제라고 생각합니다.

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-서울대학교 학술림 및 수목원의 무상양여가 중요한 이유는 무엇인가요?

학술림과 수목원이 서울대학교에 다시 돌아오는 것은 자유로운 교육과 연구를 통한 학문의 발전을 위해서 매우 중요합니다. 가장 큰 이유는 교육 및 연구 목적으로 학술림과 수목원을 이용할 때 실소유자가 아니라서 발생하는 불편이 매우 크기 때문입니다. 여러분이 자취하거나 전세를 사는 경우에 집주인 눈치가 보여 못 하나 마음대로 못 박는 것처럼, 저희도 교육·연구 목적으로 관련 시설을 설치하거나 제반 행위를 하는 과정에서 제한이 따릅니다. 또한 법인화를 거치며 서울대학교가 지금까지 사용하고 관리해 온 시설들에 대한 권리를 잃어버리니 연구자들 입장에서는 억울한 면도 있습니다.

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-상시 개방을 앞두고 임시로 상시 개방 중인데, 발생 혹은 예상되는 문제가 있나요?

관악수목원 내 자원들의 훼손 및 관리 문제가 가장 신경 쓰고 있는 문제입니다. 실제로 시범 개방 기간에 안양시에서 관리 인력을 지원해 주셨음에도 불구하고 방문객이 관악수목원의 약초와 나무를 훼손하거나 꺾어 가져가는 경우가 몇 번 발생했습니다. 상시 개방 때에는 이 문제가 더욱 증가할 것으로 예상합니다.

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이러한 일이 발생하는 원인은 일반 시민들이 관악수목원의 가치를 잘 모르는 데 있다고 생각합니다. 서울대학교 입장에서 관악수목원은 희귀 식물자원을 보존하고 관리하는 중요한 장소이고, 내부의 나무나 약초, 꽃 하나하나가 소중한 가치를 가집니다. 그러나 방문객들은 관악수목원을 여타 수목원처럼 편하게 입장해서 휴식하고, 계절에 맞는 조경을 구경하는 여가 장소로 인식하는 경향이 강합니다. 그러다 보면 예뻐 보이고, 신기해 보이니까 꺾기도 하고 나무나 약초를 가져가서 심으려고 하는 일도 발생하죠.

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관악수목원의 일부 식물들은 하나밖에 없어 어디서 구해올 수 없는 희귀자원이고, 공식적으로 반출하거나 사라지면 환경부에 보고하고 허가를 받아야 할 정도로 귀중하고 엄격하게 관리되고 있습니다. 일반 시민들도 이를 이해하고 도와주셨으면 합니다.

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-서울대학교 측에서는 관악수목원을 어떠한 방향으로 활용할 계획인가요?

지금으로서는 서울대학교는 교육과 연구에 집중하고, 그 외 시민 체험이나 관람은 안양시에서 주도하는 방향으로 가고자 합니다. 필요하다면 저희 측에서도 제한적 지원을 할 수 있겠으나 협약 내용에도 명시했듯이 교육과 연구를 최우선 사항으로 두고 있습니다. 또한 관악산 일대 수목원이 도시 공원화되어 수목원의 본래 기능이 퇴색된 것을 반면교사 삼아 남아있는 안양의 수목원 구간은 생물자원과 역사적 가치 보존 차원에서 체계적으로 관리하는 것이 목표입니다.

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-농업생명과학대학 및 서울대 구성원에게 남기실 말씀이 있으신가요?

그동안 서울대학교는 관악수목원 무상양여를 위해 지역사회와의 우호적 관계 유지에 집중해 왔지만, 절차가 완료되면 서울대 구성원을 위한 체험 및 교육 프로그램을 적극적으로 개발하여 수목원의 활용도를 높일 계획입니다. 구성원분들이 관악수목원을 많이 찾아주시면 좋겠습니다.

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또 앞으로 다른 지역 학술림의 무상양여 문제에 대한 구성원 여러분의 많은 관심과 노력 부탁드립니다. 서울대학교를 둘러싼 관악산과 인근 지역은 모두 수목원으로 지정되어 있고 그 전체 면적은 1,550.6ha에 달합니다. 그중 현재 논의하고 있는 지역은 93.7ha, 안양 지역은 90ha 정도로 극히 일부죠. 법인화 이후 무상양여 논의가 오랜 시간 지연되면서 이 문제에 관심을 가졌던 구성원들이 퇴임하고 14년이 지난 이제는 학술림과 수목원의 무상 양여에 대한 관심이 점차 줄어들고 있습니다. 이번 안양시와의 협약을 계기로 미양여 국유재산에 대한 구성원들의 공감대 형성이 이루어지길 바랍니다.

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20기 김유민, 22기 최영화

Reopening Ceremony Held at the Agriculture and Life Sciences Library

On September 9, the Seoul National University(SNU) Agriculture and Life Sciences Library held a reopening ceremony to celebrate the renovation of its reading room. This project, led by Jang Pan-sik, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), was part of the "CALS-Technopolis" initiative aimed at providing students with a more comfortable and convenient learning environment while promoting greater library use.

The key highlight of the renovation is the transformation of the reading room to a café-style room similar to an existing space, U-SPACE the first floor of Building 200. Reflecting the feedbacks from students, this renovation focused on creating a relaxed and open atmosphere where students can balance study and relaxation. Moving away from the rigid and traditional reading room layout, the new design emphasizes comfort and flexibility. In addition, the renovation improved both in and out accessibility to the library. Enhancements include the addition of entrance stairs, landscaping of the approach pathway, upgraded signage, and improved lighting. These thoughtful changes showcase a commitment to providing a more student-friendly library experience.

The reopening ceremony was attended by key figures, including Dean Jang Pan-sik, Director Baek Nam-cheon of the Agriculture and Life Sciences Library, and other representatives from the SNU Library and CALS. Dean Jang emphasized the importance of fostering student-driven changes to drive the college's development during his speech. “Students are at the heart of CALS and their initiatives fuel our progress,” he stated. He also promised to continue efforts to enhance campus facilities in line with student needs.

Director Baek Nam-cheon also expressed his commitment to ongoing improvements for student convenience, describing the renovation as a "first step." He encouraged students to make full use of the fully renovated library. CALS Student Council President Lee Jun-young pledged to ensure that the new library becomes a valuable resource and to continue advocating for meaningful changes that contribute to the college’s growth.

The library renovation underscores a major goal which is enhancing student convenience. Sustained student engagement and participation will be critical to further improvements in the future. Building on the success of the U-SPACE renovation, the Agriculture and Life Sciences Library is poised to become an even more beloved space for students.

- Seong Ji-yoon and Lee Hyo-sun, 21st batch of CALS PRESS

Interview on Calsian on the Go

We had the opportunity to meet Choi Soo-in, a member of the 21st batch of CALSIAN, the promotional team for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences(CALS) at Seoul National University(SNU). CALSIAN works to promote SNU CALS by visiting middle and high schools across the country. They offer mentorship and raise awareness about agricultural sciences. Following visits to Busan, Daegu, and Changwon last winter, they conducted the CALSIAN on the Go program in Seoul and the suburbs specifically in Eunpyeong-gu, Seodaemun-gu, Hanam, Gangdong-gu, Suwon, and Gangseo-gu this summer. In our interview, we were able to know how CALSIAN introduces SNU CALS to middle and high school students.

Q: Thank you for joining us. Could you introduce yourself?
A: Hello! My name is Choi Soo-in, and I am a sophomore student majoring in Crop Science and Biotechnology in the Department of Plant Science at SNU CALS. I’m also a member of the 21st batch of CALSIAN.

Q: You participated in this summer’s CALSIAN on the Go program. Could you explain the program for those who might not be familiar with it?
A: CALSIAN on the Go is a program where we visit high schools during summer/winter breaks to introduce students to studies of agriculture and promote SNU CALS. During the summer, we visit schools in Seoul and suburb areas, while during the winter, we go to schools regions far from Seoul. This summer, we visited high schools in Eunpyeong-gu, Seodaemun-gu, Hanam, Gangdong-gu, Suwon, and Gangseo-gu with four teams. We introduce the seven departments and 15 majors within SNU CALS, share publishments and lab researches, and provide information on student programs and admission processes.

Q: Because the program takes place every year, meeting students from different parts must make each experience unique. Was there any memorable moment from the 2024 summer CALSIAN on the Go program?
A: One memorable moment was meeting a student who showed a genuine interest in the Department of Plant Science. After our presentation, they stayed behind to ask questions about how to prepare for their admission and recommendations on what books to read. It was really rewarding to see their enthusiasm. It happens sometimes that students who participated in this program later join CALSIAN after being admitted to CALS, and I hope to meet this student as a fellow member someday.

Q: Since the program targets students interested in agriculture and CALS, I imagine the types of questions you receive are quite consistent. What are some frequently asked questions?
A: The most common questions are about campus life at SNU. For example, we often have questions like, "is it true that SNU festivals aren’t fun enough?" Many students don’t get the chance to talk to university students, so they ask about even little things from studying to daily life on campus.

Q: I’ve heard that preparing for CALSIAN on the Go requires nearly a year of effort. Could you walk us through the preparation process?
A: Since the program involves presenting a clear and comprehensive introduction to agriculture and CALS to middle and high school students, we focus on perfecting our delivery and memorizing scripts throughout the spring semester. During breaks, each team holds regular practice sessions. We also review a database of questions asked in previous programs to better prepare for mentoring session.

Q: What is the most important aspect of CALSIAN on the Go?
A: Our priority is to inspire as many students as possible to take an interest in agriculture. Many students perceive agriculture as labor-intensive work or they associate biotechnology only with wearing lab coats and using pipettes. These misconceptions can create a negative image of the field. That’s why we focus on helping students understand what they can learn at CALS and encouraging them to explore their interests and carve their own paths in agricultural sciences.

Q: Could you share plans for the upcoming 2024 winter CALSIAN on the Go program and other activities scheduled for the fall semester?
A: We plan to visit high schools in the Chungcheong-do for the CALSIAN on the Go program. For the fall semester, CALSIAN will operate in three project teams. The SE team will handle events like Farmer’s Day and plogging activities, the RE team will focus on creating a database related to CALS labs, and the PR team will publish interviews and posts aimed at middle and high school students. We’d love for everyone to join us for the Farmer’s Day event on the November 11th! Thank you.

- Lee Hyo-seon, 21st batch of CALS PRESS

The Venti: A New Haven for CALS Students Making Coffee Breaks Easier

The recently opened ' The Venti ' café at Seoul National University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), has been receiving an enthusiastic response from students.
Through an interview with student Lee Seunghwan, a sophomore majoring in Industrial Human Resource Development in the Department of Plant Science, we learned about the secrets behind The Venti's popularity and how it has changed students' daily lives.

Student Lee shared that students' daily routines have become significantly more convenient since The Venti's opening. He explained that previously, students had to walk to the College of Natural Sciences or the Student Center for coffee, but now they can easily enjoy their coffee inside the CALS building. He particularly emphasized the café's excellent accessibility, being located near the main entrance of CALS.
The menu at The Venti has also received high satisfaction ratings. Lee mentioned that iced americano seems to be the most popular item, while adding that he personally prefers various latte options. He expressed satisfaction with The Venti's beverages, noting that they not only taste good but also offer reasonable prices for their large serving sizes.
The café's atmosphere and convenience of use also received positive reviews. Lee stated that The Venti is having a positive impact on students, explaining that its reasonable prices and diverse menu make it accessible and convenient for many of his fellow students.

The Venti has evolved beyond just a beverage provider to become a social hub for students. Lee mentioned that while waiting for orders, he often runs into classmates or other students from different years, providing welcome opportunities to catch up with people he hasn't seen in a while.

The overall response from CALS students appears to be positive. Lee observed that other students seem generally satisfied, given how frequently they visit the café.
Through this interview, we could confirm that The Venti is bringing new energy to CALS students' daily lives. With its convenient location, reasonable prices, diverse menu, and role as a communication space for students, The Venti has established itself as a new rest area for CALS students.

It is expected that such student-friendly spaces will continue to develop and contribute to creating an even better campus life experience.

SNU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Successfully Concludes 2024 CALS Job Fair

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Seoul National University hosted its "2024 CALS Job Fair and Corporate Promotion" event on September 10-11 in the second-floor lobby of Building 200.
The event featured 28 organizations, ranging from major corporations like Samsung Display and Sempio Foods to specialized companies such as 'Hansol Paper' and 'Cargill', as well as public institutions including 'the Korea Forest Service' and the 'Forest Welfare Agency'. A total of 30 booths, including the student council booth, provided students with diverse employment information and career exploration opportunities.

To encourage participation, participating companies prepared special events and offered students gift certificates worth 10,000 won, which helped drive active student engagement.

Participating students visited various booths to learn about organizations' profiles and recruitment plans, while also gaining firsthand insights about actual work environments through conversations with current employees. Notably, the participation of government institutions helped raise awareness about career paths in the public sector.

CALS students who attended the event shared their positive experiences, saying, "It was extremely beneficial to gather information about companies that are usually difficult to access all in one place," and "Learning about the diverse career possibilities in agriculture and life sciences was very helpful for my career planning."

The job fair was particularly significant as it provided CALS students with practical employment information and created a platform for communication between companies, public institutions, and students. It was praised for offering students the opportunity to directly explore career possibilities across various sectors, from private companies to government agencies.

The event is expected to continue in the future, supporting students' successful entry into professional fields. The 2024 CALS Job Fair concluded successfully, leaving students with heightened expectations after discovering the wide range of career options available in agriculture and life sciences.

Interview on Mentoring at the CALSIAN Biotechnology Camp

This summer, middle school students from across the country gathered at Seoul National University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Every year, SNU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences organize a biotechnology camp for middle school students nationwide interested in the field, providing them with the opportunity to explore diverse areas of biotechnology. The camp offers hands-on experiments that are not typically accessible in middle school settings, along with lectures from professors. CALSIAN members, the university’s official promotional team for the CALS, also participate as mentors, offering advice to the students. We interviewed Kim Na-kyung, a 21st CALSIAN member.

Q: Thank you for joining us. Could you introduce yourself?
A: Hello, I’m Na-kyung Kim, a member of the 21st CALSIAN member majoring in Crop Science and Biotechnology.

Q: Can you tell us about this summer’s biotechnology camp program?
A: This biotechnology camp, organized by Seoul National University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and hosted by Seoul Newspaper Co., has reached its 20th year. It’s a summer break program for middle school students and was held from July 30 to August 2 over three days at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Through lectures, students were introduced to the latest biotechnology research and technology, and they also participated in experiments that helped them gain a hands-on understanding of biotechnology. Alongside academic lectures, students attended career and counseling sessions, giving them space to reflect on their futures. CALSIAN members like myself participated as mentors throughout the camp.

Q: What activities did the students engage in during the camp?
A: The camp featured various activities, including Professor Kang Chang-gu’s experiment on the “Behavior and Social Evolution of Crickets” and Professor Ki Chang-seok’s “Making Orange Cosmetics” experiment. Lectures included topics like Professor Kim Hyung-seok’s “Crop Remote Sensing and the Future of Open-field Smart Farming,” Professor An Tae-in’s “Controlled Environment Agriculture,” and Professor Kwak Hyo-won’s “Sustainable Materials Derived from Wood.” Students also attended career guidance sessions with Dr. Min Ji-sik and counseling sessions with counselor Jeon Yoon-kyung.

Q: The CALSIAN mentors seemed to play a big role in providing a valuable experience for students at the camp. What role did you all take on as mentors?
A: A total of eight CALSIAN members participated, with six members mentoring each of the camp’s groups, and two managing event operations. Group mentors assisted students during experiments and lectures. After lectures, students had dedicated team time with CALSIAN mentors. On the first evening, one of the event coordinators acted as MC for recreational activities, helping students from different areas connect and bond. Group mentors encouraged students to engage actively in these activities. On the second evening, we held mentoring sessions, pairing up to cover topics such as “Study Methods,” “High School Choices,” “Career Paths,” and “College Life.” On the final day, we guided students on a campus tour, serving as mentors and caretakers throughout the camp’s three days.

Q: You must have many memories from spending three days with the students. Is there a particularly memorable moment from the camp?
A: I was especially moved when some mentees expressed their gratitude after finding inspiration for their dreams through the camp. At first, I worried if middle school students would be able to focus through long lectures. But seeing my group members enthusiastically taking notes, I asked, “Did you enjoy the class?” One student, who usually preferred theoretical lectures, mentioned they found the experimental classes fascinating. Another student shared that they hadn’t previously considered this field but were now inspired to explore it further as a career. Yet another student promised me they would study hard to return to SNU, asking that I be there to greet them when they arrived. Hearing such stories made me feel both proud and hopeful for the future of agricultural sciences.

Q: What kind of safety measures did CALSIAN prepare to ensure student safety during the camp?
A: We were very vigilant about safety, especially given the many places we took the students. Although the lectures were all held in Room 201 of Building 200 at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, breakfasts were at the student hall, and lunch and dinner were at either the dormitory cafeteria or classrooms. Additionally, the entire camp stayed overnight at the Hoam Faculty House, which is some distance from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We conducted regular head counts and required that students inform their group leader before going anywhere. To prevent students from leaving the dorm at night, we also conducted room checks to ensure everyone was present.

Q: Do you have any future plans for mentoring at upcoming biotechnology camps?
A: Seeing mentees find their dreams through this camp has inspired me to think about offering even more opportunities for students to experience a range of major courses within our college. The organizers worked hard to design an experimental, hands-on curriculum that demonstrated the latest research trends. I believe continuing in this direction would be beneficial. CALSIAN will continue striving to make a positive impression of SNU and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We want to be more than just mentors; we aim to be approachable older siblings whom students can turn to for advice. For example, one of my mentees even interviewed me for a school project in agricultural sciences. I hope to continue helping students discover more about the agricultural sciences field.

Q: Do you have any advice for students who participated in or plan to attend the biotechnology camp?
A: Students attending or planning to attend this camp are all passionate individuals who are either pursuing or exploring academic interests. Some know exactly what they want to do, while others are still searching. My hope is that they make the most of this unique experience of staying at SNU, attending lectures, and getting to know their own ambitions. I also encourage them to feel comfortable reaching out to CALSIAN members for advice. We’ve all been through high school and experienced challenges with career choices and setbacks, so we understand the importance of seeking support.

Q: Finally, what type of student would you recommend this camp to?
A: This camp is ideal for students interested in the agricultural and life sciences, those who haven’t yet found their goal, or anyone curious about SNU. While the courses are rooted in life sciences, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences encompasses engineering, chemistry, and applied fields, meaning students with interests in these areas could also benefit. Furthermore, as disciplines become increasingly interdisciplinary, this “biotechnology camp” at SNU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers an excellent opportunity to explore a broad range of fields. I’m confident the camp provides new insights and perspectives for all students, regardless of whether they’re deeply interested in the subject or simply exploring.

— Lee Hyo-seon, 21st CALSIAN

Events Hosted by the Student Council

1. Final Teams Confirmed for Baketball Tournament
In September, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Seoul National University held preliminary and tournament rounds for soccer and basketball in preparation for the athletic competition, “The Farmer's Myth: How to Become Human” scheduled for October 3. Each team fiercely competed to advance to the finals, showcasing players' passion and determination to win despite the hot weather. Given the pride each major had at stake, the preliminary rounds were marked by intense support and closely contested matches.
The soccer and basketball preliminaries were conducted with teams from each department, each executing carefully prepared strategies and teamwork. Throughout the preliminary rounds, the athletes' commitment brought a sense of excitement and intensity to the field, with every team demonstrating impressive skills. The teams that advanced to the finals are expected to bring even sharper strategies and teamwork to the competition, building upon their previous matches.
On October 3, the winning teams will face off once more in the finals. In addition to the final matches, there will be various fun events like dodgeball. This athletic day is designed as a chance to step away from studies, relieve stress, and build friendships. Even for those who did not advance to the finals, the event promises to be a valuable opportunity to enjoy and bond with fellow students.

2. Remodeling of the Agricultural Library Completed
On September 9, the reopening ceremony for the remodeled reading room in the Agricultural Library at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences was held. This renovation project was a core part of CALS-Technopolis initiative and followed the successful remodeling of U-SPACE. The project aimed to address the declining use of the library by revitalizing its facilities.
The remodeling work included updates to outdated facilities, creating a more open and pleasant atmosphere. In some parts of the CALS Library, U-SPACE-style interiors were incorporated, and additional conveniences for students were added, such as entrance stairs and sign lighting, both inside and outside the library.
Jang Pan-sik, the dean of CALS and Library Director Baek Nam-chun expressed that since students are at the heart of CALS, they will continue to implement changes to improve the student experience. They called for students' interest and active engagement with the renewed Agricultural Library, as this project was completed thanks to strong support for the previous U-SPACE remodeling.

3. Opening of CU Convenience Store at CALS
A new CU convenience store has opened in Building 200 of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, following the earlier opening of cafe The Venti. This new addition has improved the convenience for students and faculty, who previously had to visit other buildings to access a convenience store.
CU offers a wide range of items, including ready-to-eat meals, cold drinks, and various snacks. Thanks to its location on the first floor of Building 200, CALS members can make quick visits to the store even during short breaks. Students have responded positively to CU’s proximity, as they can now easily grab snacks or supplies between classes. CU is committed to providing a diverse range of items for the CALS community.

4. 2024 CALS Job Fair Held
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences regularly hosts various events to provide career exploration opportunities for students and raise company awareness among prospective candidates. On September 10-11, the 2024 CALS Job Fair and Company Promotion event was held on the second floor lobby of Building 200.
Twenty-eight companies, including Sempio, FarmHannong, and NH NongHyup Bank, participated in the event, with a total of 30 booths set up. At each booth, companies provided information about hiring details, job responsibilities, and preferred qualifications. Company representatives also offered tailored job recommendations based on students' academic backgrounds and interests, and explained their respective hiring processes.
Participating students remarked that the event was a valuable opportunity to gather detailed employment information about companies of interest. Additionally, students had the chance for one-on-one counseling with alumni who graduated from CALS and joined the participating companies, providing them with practical, customized advice to aid in their career planning.