11th SWTO: Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, SNU & Gwangwoon University
Preview of the 11th Software Thinking Power Olympiad
Table of Contents
- Preview of the 11th Software Thinking Power Olympiad
- Software Thinking Olympiad: Your essential Guide
- What is the Software Thinking Olympiad (SWTO)?
- When and Where Does the 11th SWTO Take Place?
- Who Can Participate in the SWTO?
- Where is the Seoul Portion of the SWTO Held?
- Why is Kwangwoon University Participating in the SWTO?
- What is the Significance of Seoul National university’s Role in the SWTO?
- How has the SWTO Evolved Over Time?
- How are the Winners of the SWTO Selected?
- What Awards are Presented at the SWTO?
- Key Takeaways from the 11th Software Thinking Olympiad
- What is the benefit of participating in SWTO?
- What the experts say about SWTO?

The Software Thinking Olympiad (SWTO), a prominent software (SW) competition for elementary and junior high school students, is scheduled too commence on May 24. The 11th SWTO will occur simultaneously in 13 cities, including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, Jeonju, Jeju, Chuncheon, wonju, Gyeongsan, Changwon, and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). The event has expanded to include participants from 13 universities and one Korean international school. Applications for the 11th SWTO are available online.
Since 2017, the Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi regions have hosted the SWTO at Seoul National University. The 11th iteration will continue this tradition. This year, the Seoul portion of the event will be held at both Seoul National University and Kwangwoon University. Demand for the Seoul location has historically been high, with applications closing early. The addition of Kwangwoon University aims to accommodate more students from the province who were previously unable to participate.
Approximately 1,000 students are expected to participate in the Seoul portion of the Olympiad.
Seoul National University has been instrumental in planning the SWTO. The event has seen significant growth, with participation more than doubling from an initial 350-400 students to 800.Professors and researchers from Seoul National University’s facts technology department contribute to the question design and evaluation process. A commitee evaluates student answer sheets over approximately two months to select the winners.

A professor from Seoul National University, who chairs the SWTO and evaluation committee, published a collection of past SWTO questions. This resource has helped students familiarize themselves with the competition format,leading to increased participation.
Even after expanding to the national level, the awards ceremony has been held at Seoul National University. Awards have been presented by dignitaries, including the president of Seoul National University, the president of the Korea Software Industry Association, and the CEO of a major media outlet. As last year, the grand prize has been awarded by the Minister of Science and technology Information and Communication.

This year marks Kwangwoon University’s first participation in the Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi region. Kwangwoon University is recognized for its strong software and robotics programs. From 2017 to 2022, the university engaged in various SW-focused projects. In collaboration with the Nowon-gu Office, they conducted educational programs, including SW talent donation initiatives for local residents, and hosted numerous SW camps and educational programs for young students.
Kwangwoon University’s involvement in the 11th SWTO Seoul northern region aligns with the broader goal of promoting software literacy. The university is providing facilities, including high-tech classrooms, and taking measures to ensure the convenience of SWTO participants. Students from SW-related departments will serve as test supervisors. Kwangwoon University has recently received support for its continued designation as a SW-centric university.
According to lee Yun-gu,a software professor at Kwangwoon university,In all sectors,SW thinking is a basic competency that key talents should be equipped with.
He added,I hope that elementary and middle school students will be interested in SW thinking and increase their capabilities through the 11th SWTO held by Kwangwoon University.
Software Thinking Olympiad: Your essential Guide
Are you curious about the Software Thinking Olympiad (SWTO) and how it can benefit students? This Q&A-style article provides insights into this prominent software competition.
What is the Software Thinking Olympiad (SWTO)?
The Software Thinking Olympiad (SWTO) is a notable software (SW) competition designed for elementary and junior high school students. It aims to promote software literacy and enhance SW thinking abilities.
When and Where Does the 11th SWTO Take Place?
The 11th SWTO is scheduled to commence on May 24. The event will occur together in 13 cities:
Seoul
Busan
Daegu
Gwangju
Daejeon
Jeonju
Jeju
Chuncheon
Wonju
Gyeongsan
Changwon
Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Who Can Participate in the SWTO?
The SWTO is primarily for elementary and junior high school students. However, the event has expanded to include participants from 13 universities and one Korean international school.
Where is the Seoul Portion of the SWTO Held?
Traditionally, the Seoul portion of the SWTO has been held at Seoul National University as 2017. This year,the Seoul event will also include Kwangwoon University.
Why is Kwangwoon University Participating in the SWTO?
Kwangwoon University is participating in the 11th SWTO to support the promotion of software literacy. The university is providing facilities and resources, including high-tech classrooms, and is taking measures to ensure the convenience of participants. This aligns with their focus on software and robotics programs.
What is the Significance of Seoul National university’s Role in the SWTO?
Seoul National University has been instrumental in planning and executing the SWTO as its inception. Professors and researchers from the university contribute to the question design and evaluation process. their involvement has helped the event grow significantly.
How has the SWTO Evolved Over Time?
The SWTO has seen ample growth. Initially, the event had 350-400 participants. Now, participation has more than doubled, reaching approximately 800 students. The Seoul portion of the Olympiad alone expects approximately 1,000 students to participate this year.
How are the Winners of the SWTO Selected?
A committee evaluates student answer sheets over approximately two months to select the winners. This ensures a thorough and fair assessment of each participant’s performance.
What Awards are Presented at the SWTO?
Awards are presented by dignitaries, including the president of Seoul National University, the president of the Korea Software Industry Association, and the CEO of a major media outlet. The grand prize has been awarded by the Minister of science and Technology Data and Communication.
Key Takeaways from the 11th Software Thinking Olympiad
| Aspect | Details |
| :——————– | :————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| Event | 11th Software Thinking Olympiad (SWTO) |
| Target Audience | Elementary and junior high school students |
| Date | Scheduled to commence on May 24 |
| Locations | 13 cities including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, Jeonju, Jeju, Chuncheon, Wonju, gyeongsan, Changwon, and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). Seoul: Seoul National university and Kwangwoon University |
| Key Goals | promote software literacy and enhance SW thinking abilities |
| Notable Partners | Seoul National University and Kwangwoon University |
| Awards Ceremony | Held at Seoul National university, with dignitaries presenting awards. |
What is the benefit of participating in SWTO?
Develop Critical Skills: SWTO helps students enhance their SW thinking abilities.
Familiarization: Provides students with the prospect to familiarize themselves with the competition format.
* Educational Programs: Kwangwoon University conduct educational programs, including SW talent donation initiatives for local residents, and hosted numerous SW camps and educational programs for young students.
What the experts say about SWTO?
“In all sectors, SW thinking is a basic competency that key talents should be equipped with.” – Lee Yun-gu, software professor at Kwangwoon university.
