Hyundai Motor Group will send 500 university student volunteers abroad. The group launched its 12th youth service corps at its headquarters in Seoul on Thursday.

Founded in 2008, the corps is one of the largest civilian volunteer groups in Korea. So far, 5,500 university students have volunteered for previous corps, visiting a total of 18 countries.

“What’s important in life is not speed but direction. I hope overseas services will give new momentum in setting the right direction of life and learning desirable values,” Hyundai Motor president Chung Jin-haeng said.

Members of the corps will provide diverse community services in four countries ― Indonesia, the Philippines, China and India ― for two weeks in January and February. Their services will include construction of houses, dormitories and community facilities, preservation of world cultural heritage sites and education of children from low-income families.

About 30 students who are majoring in Korean classical music and dance will introduce Korean culture to local residents as well.

Hyundai Motor will cover all costs including air travel and living expenses.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)