Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) and its HUSS Climate Change Response Project Team (Director Kang Yoon Hee) held the “2026 Academic Year Sustainable Design Camp—Jeju RE:flection” in the Jeju Island area from July 15 to 17, a three-day, two-night program.

This program was designed to explore Jeju’s natural environment and local resources and to generate ideas that integrate climate change adaptation with sustainable design. Participating students conducted field studies on topics such as upcycling, the ecological environment, geology, and local culture, and incorporated these findings into team projects.

At the Jeju Upcycling Center, they examined examples of upcycling, which transforms waste into new products. The students studied examples of resource circulation and sustainable design through items such as furniture made from plastic bottle caps, clothing made from recycled PET bottles, and eco-friendly leather products made from cactus.

At the Jeju Folk and Natural History Museum, they explored Jeju’s geological formation, ecosystem, and traditional culture. They examined the processes through which the region’s natural environment and way of life were shaped, and learned about methods for conserving and utilizing natural and cultural resources. At the Bontae Museum, they viewed spaces designed by architect Tadao Ando and traditional Jeju crafts. The participating students examined how the natural environment, architecture, and local culture are reflected in spaces and design.

At the Hwang Sang Forest Gotjawal Park and the Suwolbong Geology Trail, they investigated Jeju’s ecological and geological environments. They examined the Gotjawal ecosystem and volcanic rock topography, and at Suwolbong, they observed the geological structures formed by volcanic activity and the characteristics of the natural heritage.

At the Jeju Provincial Art Museum, they viewed contemporary artworks addressing Jeju’s history and social significance. Through works featuring themes such as the Jeju April 3 Incident and the lives of haenyeo (female divers), they examined how the region’s history and culture are expressed through art and design. They then visited Iho-teu Beach and Mal Lighthouse to explore the natural environment of Jeju’s coastline.

Kim Ha-young (a senior in the Department of Industrial Design), who participated in the program, said, “I was able to see firsthand examples of sustainability and responses to climate change right here in Jeju,” adding, “Based on this experience of exploring the connections between nature, culture, and design, I want to propose ideas that reflect local characteristics in our team project as well.”

Following the field trip, the participating students shared their findings through team discussions and refined the direction of their sustainable design project. They plan to proceed with their projects based on the local environmental and cultural resources surveyed during this camp.

Meanwhile, as the lead institution of the HUSS Environmental Consortium, Kookmin University is operating a convergence education program that bridges the boundaries between universities and academic majors under the theme “Coexistence and Mutual Prosperity in the Era of the Climate Crisis,” in collaboration with Duksung Women’s University, Ulsan University, Inha University, and Chosun University.

△ Photo: Visit to the Jeju Upcycling Center as part of the “2026 Sustainable Design Camp—Jeju RE:flection”