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The Deoksan Cultural Foundation (Chairperson Kim Myung-shin) visited Jeju National University on September 10 and delivered assets valued at KRW 2.1 billion. The delivery ceremony was attended by Chairperson Kim Myung-shin of the Deoksan Cultural Foundation, Executive Director Kim Dong-eon, Director Ko Chang-hoon, Director Kim Sang-rim, Auditor Oh Yong-han, and Director Kim Sun-chae. Representing Jeju National University were President Kim Eel-hwan, Hyun Mi-yeul (Director of JNU’s Career Employment Department and University Job Plus Center), Kim Sung-wook (Head of JNU's Management Innovation Department), and other officials.

The Deoksan Cultural Foundation began its philanthropic activities in 1979, supporting young students in the Jeju area with a scholarship fund of KRW 5 million established by Chairperson Kim Myung-shin and Mrs. Jung Ok-sun. This evolved into the Ilsong Deoksan Scholarship Foundation in 1995, and further into the Deoksan Cultural Foundation in 1999.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, the Foundation has undertaken various social contribution activities, including the preservation of Jeju's Gotjawal forests, the development of Jeju culture, and scholarship initiatives. To further its contributions to the Jeju community, it actively supports the Gotjawal Sharing Movement, sponsors the Deoksan Cultural Award, and provides scholarships and social welfare.

Kim's connection with JNU began in the early 1990s when he visited the university by chance during a trip to his hometown, Jeju. This initial encounter blossomed into a formal relationship with JNU in 1992. His contributions to JNU’s advancement have been substantial. Notably, during the ‘JNU Development Support Night’ in 1995, he generously donated land valued at approximately KRW 10 billion (6,435 pyeong or 21,272.7 square meters) from Deoksan Farm, alongside his wife, Mrs. Jung Ok-sun.

Additionally, he has made multiple donations totaling KRW 436 million to JNU, which include contributions to the Deoksan Innovation Award Fund. Over the past 25 years, he has continued his diverse philanthropic efforts, which include funding the Deoksan Cultural Award – an initiative recognizing contributions to Jeju society's scholarship projects and social development – and serving as a member of organizations like the university Red Cross, the Kim Man-deok Memorial Society, and the Honor Society.

Chairperson Kim Myung-shin said, “I am reminded of the responsibility that JNU’s progress directly contributes to the advancement of my beloved hometown, Jeju,” He added, “I hope this fund contribution will serve as the foundation for Jeju society and Jeju National University to grow together.”