Since the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Kookmin University was designated as a tree doctor training institution by the Korea Forest Service in 2023, it has been operating an educational program to train professional tree doctors who are responsible for maintaining the health of trees in living areas and creating a pleasant living environment. The second training course for tree doctors will be held in person every Saturday and Sunday (21 days, 155 hours in total) from March 29 to June 21, 2025.

In this curriculum, students can receive systematic theoretical and practical training from faculty members and researchers working in various fields, including tree physiology, tree pathology, tree pests, tree science, and forest ecology in Seoul and the metropolitan area. In addition, practical know-how from experts working in real-life tree care, such as the director of a tree hospital, will also be shared.

The application period is from Tuesday, March 4, 2025 to Friday, March 7, 2025, and you can apply online through the Kookmin University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation website or on-site (02-910-6399). Forty-five people who meet the requirements for the arborist exam will be selected by lottery, and the tuition fee is 1.86 million won (including textbook fees).

The positive response from the first batch of students continues. One student said, “I was satisfied with the high-level faculty and their expertise, and it was a great help in preparing for the first exam,” and recommended that they actively participate in the tree surgeon training course.

Professor Park Ji-hyun (Department of Forest and Environmental Systems) said, “We have tried to create a curriculum that will be of great help in passing the national qualification exam and in the practice of tree care,” and “We look forward to the application of many talented people who wish to become competent tree doctors who can take responsibility for the health of trees in our living environment.”