A new endowed scholarship at UNIST is encouraging students to embrace challenges beyond the classroom. Established through a KRW 500 million gift from Chairman Jun-Ha Kwon, the  Misan Pioneer Scholarship  rewards perseverance over grades or financial need, with hiking determining eligibility. 

The program attracted overwhelming interest during its inaugural application period. Originally designed to support 150 students, the scholarship received 978 applications. In response to the strong demand, Chairman Kwon expanded the number of recipients to 350. 

Recipients will complete designated hikes in the Yeongnam Alps and other mountains across Korea, verifying each completed hike through a mobile application. Students who complete six qualifying hikes will receive a KRW 700,000 scholarship, while those completing three to five hikes will receive KRW 300,000. 

UNIST formally launched the  Misan Pioneer Scholarship Fund during a donation ceremony held in Seoul on July 13, 2026. The endowed fund preserves its principal while using investment returns to provide long-term scholarship support.

The scholarship reflects Chairman Kwon's belief that personal growth extends beyond academic achievement. By encouraging students to challenge themselves in nature, the program emphasizes perseverance, leadership, and shared experiences alongside classroom learning. Located near the Yeongnam Alps, the UNIST campus provides an ideal setting for the program. 

Chairman Kwon said climbing a mountain mirror scientific research, where steady effort and perseverance ultimately lead to meaningful achievement. The scholarship is named after Chairman Kwon's late father, whose pen name was   Misan , honoring the values of perseverance, humility, and generosity that inspired the initiative. The endowment fund is designed to provide sustainable scholarship support for future generations of students.

Chairman Kwon is widely recognized for promoting philanthropic models that combine long-term investment with charitable giving. He has contributed more than KRW 12.8 billion to universities and social welfare organizations, supporting education and community initiatives through sustainable giving.

UNIST President Chong Rae Park welcomed the gift, describing it as "[A] meaningful educational investment that encourages students to challenge themselves and grow through the experience." He added that the university would ensure the  Misan Pioneer Scholarship becomes a meaningful and lasting part of the UNIST student experience.