Yangyang’s Record-Breaking 5.65 Billion Won Scholarship: A Lifeline for Local Students in 2026

The Yangyang County Talent Development Scholarship Foundation awarded a record 565,000,000 KRW (about US$423,750) in scholarships in 2026, directing its efforts toward cultivating local talent and easing the financial burden of education. The foundation completed payments to a total of 346 recipients on March 30, 2026.
 
This year’s total represents an increase of 32,500,000 KRW (about US$24,375) over last year’s 532,500,000 KRW (about US$399,375). The rise reflects Yangyang County’s commitment to easing tuition pressures amid high inflation and to creating conditions that allow local students to focus on their studies.
 
Since 2014, the foundation has provided support to a range of students, including high achievers, children from low-income families, and those with talents in the arts, athletics and vocational skills. After thorough board deliberations this year, recipients were selected through a fair and transparent process.
 
The breakdown: 247 university students received 2,000,000 KRW (about US$1,500) each (494,000,000 KRW total; about US$370,500), 43 residents of the Yangyang dormitory received 1,000,000 KRW (about US$750) each (43,000,000 KRW; about US$32,250), and 56 high school students received 500,000 KRW (about US$375) each (28,000,000 KRW; about US$21,000). Notably, the dormitory awards were set at roughly half the amount given to the general academic scholarship recipients to preserve equity.
 
To accommodate students’ schedules, the foundation deposited scholarship funds directly into the designated bank accounts of recipients or their guardians rather than holding a separate award ceremony.
 
Meanwhile, the Yangyang dormitory admitted 50 local students this year—four graduate students and 46 undergraduates—providing housing so they can pursue their studies without the burden of finding accommodations.
 
A Yangyang County official said, “We hope this scholarship will help local students realize their dreams. We will continue expanding scholarship funding and strengthening educational infrastructure to make Yangyang a better place to develop talent.”