[Meet the President] Gyeongsang National University fosters global pioneers

How would you introduce your school to prospective international students?

Gyeongsang National University is among the country’s 10 so-called national flagship universities, representing the South Gyeongsang region. Our motto is pioneer — to take on new challenges and create the uncreated. We specialize in life science, aircraft mechanical systems, new nanomaterials and chemistry. We’re also surrounded by four national industrial zones that focus on aviation, offshore plants, high-tech machinery, petrochemicals and the fusion of nanotechnology, which allows us to closely cooperate with related industries. As a participating university of the Ulsan-Gyeongnam Regional Innovation Platform, we strive to help college graduates from Ulsan and South Gyeongsang remain in the region and lead innovation in their local communities, rather than move to the Seoul metropolitan area in search of better career opportunities.

Why would you recommend studying in Jinju compared to Seoul?

Tuition is really cheap at Gyeongsang National University. Living in South Gyeongsang, and Jinju in particular, is also cheap, not to mention safe. There are many part-time jobs available for international students in Jinju as well. People in Jinju show great interest and affection toward foreigners, so, unlike in big cities, international students can feel a sense of inclusiveness here. There’s also a very famous lantern festival held every year on the Nam River.

What are some benefits offered to international students at Gyeongsang National University?

All international students are eligible to live in the school dormitory. If they apply, they’re automatically accepted. We have Korean language and culture courses offered within our curriculum, and there are many types of scholarships provided to undergraduate students who maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and have a TOPIK [Test of Proficiency in Korean] level of at least 4. Through our Future Global Leaders Project, we invite high-performing students from developing countries to study for a master’s or Ph.D. degree while receiving scholarships.

In 2021, your university announced that it merged with Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology. Is the merge completely over?

We’re done with the formalities, but we still have a lot left to do in terms of making this merger actually work, such as combining similar departments and colleges.

Looking back, was it the right choice?

We have to make it be. It’s not like we can turn back time if we realize we made the wrong choice. Our job is to pull together and make sure that merging the two universities was the right choice.

As the nation’s population crisis grows dire, many universities outside the greater Seoul area seem to be struggling with a lack of student applicants. What’s your take on the issue and how must it be solved?

The fourth industrial wave, Covid-19 pandemic, Korea’s shrinking population and its toll on rural regions are requiring innovation in the role of universities and educational methods. I believe there are four fundamental limitations that all universities in Korea must overcome. First is the limitation of age. At a time when many people are living up to the age of 100, universities must be able to provide customized education for the entire life cycle. Second is the limitation of regions. We must build a cooperative system among universities that allows students to receive credits wherever they want, not just at their home universities. Third is the limitation of national borders. Universities must attract high-performing international students and help domestic students study in a global environment. Fourth is the limitation of majors. We must tear down the barriers between humanities, natural sciences and social sciences and devise a way to connect and integrate different majors with flexible curricula. Moreover, national flagship universities should provide educational programs focused on the needs of local society, allowing students to lead regional growth after graduation.

What advice do you have for foreigners wishing to pursue a degree in Korea?

Come to our university! Other than that, study Korean and Korean culture. If you want to attend a Korean university, and if you hope to quickly adjust to a new life in Korea, my personal advice is to get at least a Level 3 on the TOPIK test. Living in Korea, let alone studying in a Korean institute of higher education, can be a bigger challenge than you think. But if you boldly take on the challenge with confidence, studying in Korea will serve to be a big turning point or stepping stone in your life. If you successfully complete your study abroad in Korea, job opportunities in Korea will open up and you’ll go on to become a great leader when you return to your home country. Gyeongsang National University will support you along the way.