By: Kayoung Kim, KGGTF 2026 Youth Intern
On the evening of February 25, 2026, Green Youth Intern Day was held near Eonju Station in Seoul. The gathering brought together Dr. Shin, Consultant Bang, Analyst Yoon, and Consultant Kim of the KGGTF, along with 15 third-cohort interns and a number of first- and second-cohort alumni interns, for a total of 27 participants. Past and present members connected to the team reunited in a casual and welcoming atmosphere, sharing conversations about their work, career paths, and aspirations while strengthening their professional networks.
The event was, in every sense, by the interns and for the interns. It was planned and led by the third cohort, with two main MCs, Hangyeol and Tongkyu, opening the evening with energy and warmth. Following an introduction by Tongkyu, Dr. Shin delivered the opening remarks, offering heartfelt encouragement to the interns and reflecting on the importance of curiosity, initiative, and collaboration in the field of green growth.
As the program began in the late afternoon to accommodate alumni interns joining after work, the event was divided into two parts. Part I included first- and second-cohort interns who were able to arrive early, along with the third cohort, while Part II brought everyone together.
Part I featured a “Speed Talk” session and presentations from the third-cohort interns. Moderated by main MC Hangyeol, the Speed Talk was structured around three themed tables led by facilitators, each focusing on (1) career development, (2) global experience and living abroad, and (3) work–life balance. Interns and staff rotated between tables every ten minutes, engaging in focused discussions tailored to each theme.
Despite many participants having met only recently, the conversations quickly became lively and immersive. The 30-minute session—three rounds of ten minutes each—felt surprisingly short, a testament to the enthusiasm and openness with which participants exchanged ideas. The format allowed interns not only to gain practical insights but also to build rapport in an organic and dynamic setting.
The intern reflection session followed, with each third-cohort intern presenting a single photo that captured their internship experience and personal takeaway. A common theme emerged across all 15 presentations: gratitude. Interns shared how honored and fortunate they felt to work alongside peers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. They spoke of how much they had learned from one another and how meaningful the past two months had been. As each intern expressed appreciation and affection for their colleagues—repeating words of thanks and encouragement 15 times over—the room filled with warm laughter.
One intern remarked, “What makes KGGTF special is that it doesn’t try to define ‘green growth’ in a single sentence and teach it as a fixed concept. Instead, through hands-on experience across diverse sectors and through lectures and discussions, it allows us to discover its meaning for ourselves.” The comment resonated strongly with the audience and encapsulated the spirit of the program.
Part II began with introductions from first- and second-cohort alumni interns, who shared their career paths and offered practical advice to their juniors. Now working across international organizations, environmental technology firms, public financial institutions, and graduate programs, they spoke candidly about navigating uncertainty, building expertise, and sustaining motivation. Some provided sector-specific career guidance, while others emphasized the importance of networking, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Their generosity in sharing personal stories and lessons learned created a deeply supportive and inspiring atmosphere.
The energy continued with a lively “Speed Quiz,” led by surprise MCs Kayoung and Seungwoo. The game tested participants’ knowledge of 20 key terms drawn from five focus sectors: energy, digital, agriculture, transportation, and urban development. Divided into five teams, participants enthusiastically competed to guess the keywords. Extra points were awarded when clues were given without speaking, prompting animated gestures and creative body language. Even when faced with complex technical terms, interns—both current and alumni—as well as staff demonstrated impressive sector knowledge and teamwork, drawing admiration from the room.
Following the quiz, participants remained seated with their teams to enjoy dinner and continue networking. Having already connected through the Speed Talk and Quiz sessions, conversations flowed naturally. Discussions ranged from career aspirations and academic interests to shared hobbies and future collaborations. The informal setting allowed relationships initially formed through work to deepen into meaningful professional bonds.
As the event was entirely conceived and executed by the interns themselves, it served not only as a celebration but also as a reaffirmation of their shared commitment. Though only one-third of the internship period has passed, the day felt like both a midterm reflection and a rehearsal for the final closing ceremony. It was an opportunity to pause, take stock of the intense first two months of work, and realign goals for the remaining four months.
By sharing reflections, listening to alumni advice, and engaging in sector-focused activities, the interns were able to holistically revisit their experiences and renew their motivation. The evening concluded with the third-cohort interns looking ahead—anticipating the day when they will return as proud alumni, offering guidance and encouragement to the fourth cohort at a future Intern Day of their own making.