Applications for the second-half 2026 scholarships accepted through Oct. 29; total support of 100 million won
438 students have received 810 million won in scholarships from 2024 through the first half of this year
A cup of coffee enjoyed with a view of Hongjae Waterfall is helping students pursue their education.
Revenue from Cafe Pokpo — a popular rest spot for local residents and tourists from home and abroad — flows into a scholarship fund, turning a place of leisure into a source of support for students.
Seodaemun-gu is accepting applications for its "second-half 2026 Seodaemun-gu Cafe Pokpo Scholarship" through Oct. 29. The scholarship pool totals 100 million won ($74,200), and recipients will be selected from students who have persevered academically despite financial hardship or who have contributed to the local community.
The fund draws from the "Youth Hope Dream Fund," built from the cafe's operating profits. The district paid out 200 million won to 114 students in 2024, 410 million won to 214 students in 2025, and 200 million won to 110 students in the first half of this year — including 40 middle school students, 25 high school students and 45 university students.
In total, 438 students have received 810 million won in scholarships to date, and the district will continue that record through this round of applications.
Eligible applicants fall into three categories: students currently enrolled in middle schools, high schools or universities located in Seodaemun-gu; students enrolled at schools outside the district who have been registered as Seodaemun-gu residents for at least one year; and middle, high school or university students born in Seodaemun-gu or who graduated from a school in the district and have raised the district's profile in fields such as culture, arts or sports.
Applications must be submitted in person at a community service center on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the application period. Seodaemun-gu residents should apply at the center covering their registered address, while applicants living outside the district should visit the center covering their school's location or the location of the school they attended or were born near. Mail and courier submissions will not be accepted.
Scholarship recipients will be chosen through a two-stage process: an initial review and recommendation by the relevant district department and community service centers, followed by a final deliberation by the Seodaemun-gu Youth Fund Management Review Committee. Evaluators will consider income and lifestyle circumstances, length of residency, contributions to the community, and applicants' plans for using the scholarship and their future goals.
Seodaemun-gu District Mayor Park Un-gi said every visit to Cafe Pokpo is helping open doors for students. "We will use the fruits that residents and tourists have created to support students so they do not give up on learning due to financial difficulties and can realize their potential," he said.
Further details on eligibility requirements and required documents are available on the Seodaemun-gu district office website under official notices, or by contacting the district's administrative support division.
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