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Largest Scholarship Program among Korean Universities Based on National University Information Disclosure Data Leaps from 3rd to 1st Nationwide in Total Scholarship Amounts, Strengthening Student Growth Opportunities Collective Efforts of University Community Lead to Success in Evaluations, Government Projects, and Record-High Scholarships [September 4, 2025] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has risen to first place nationwide in total scholarship amounts, further reinforcing its commitment to “student-centered support.” This achievement, made possible through the united efforts of the entire university community, has drawn strong attention from parents and prospective students ahead of the 2026 admissions cycle. According to the 2025 National University Information Disclosure (based on 2024 results), YU provided students with scholarships totaling approximately KRW 86.5 billion, the highest amount among universities in Korea. Having ranked 3rd last year, YU’s jump to 1st place is particularly remarkable considering that some universities have larger enrollment sizes or higher tuition fees. On average, each enrolled student received about KRW 4.4 million, significantly alleviating tuition burdens while supporting diverse activities such as academics, research, international exchange, and entrepreneurship. A key factor behind YU’s success in reaching No. 1 in scholarship totals has been its outstanding performance in securing government-funded projects. In 2025, YU was selected for all seven competitive projects under the Gyeongsangbuk-do RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education) program, securing a total of KRW 52.5 billion (KRW 10.5 billion annually), the largest allocation among the 29 universities in the Gyeongbuk region. This large-scale funding has provided a strong foundation not only for regional entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and training future industry talent, but also for expanding scholarships and support programs available to students. In addition, YU has been continuously selected for projects led by major ministries such as the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, further strengthening both its educational and research capacity and the breadth of opportunities available to students. YU’s strong student support and competitive edge are also reflected in global and domestic university rankings. YU ranked among the top five Korean universities in the 2024 Leiden Ranking, maintaining the No. 1 position in mathematics and computer science in Korea for ten consecutive years. It also placed joint 19th domestically in the THE 2024 World University Rankings, 14th in Korea in the U.S. News & World Report 2025–2026 global rankings, and earned recognition for innovation in the WURI Rankings. Confidence in YU’s educational competitiveness has translated into admissions results, with the university achieving a 100% freshman enrollment rate within quota for the 2025 academic year—the first such record since the implementation of the National University Information Disclosure system. President CHOI Oe-chool of YU stated, “Achieving first place nationwide in scholarship funding and securing large-scale government support projects are remarkable accomplishments made possible by the collective dedication of the YU community. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our professors, research teams, and staff for their tireless efforts and support.” He added, “We will continue to reduce students’ financial burden while providing broad opportunities in education, research, and international exchange, striving to nurture globally competitive talent.” President Choi further emphasized, “YU will remain steadfast in supporting our students to grow as warm-hearted individuals equipped with expertise and creativity, capable of enhancing the dignity of Korea and contributing to humanity.”
- PR team
- 2025. 09. 12
- 2025. 09. 04
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YU Hosts 2025 Saemaul Leadership Training for Francophone and Spanish-speaking Africa, Sponsored by Ministry of the Interior and Safety 28 Senior Officials, University Professors, and Community Leaders from the Central African Republic, Guinea, and Equatorial Guinea Participate Sharing Korea’s Development Experience and Saemaul Strategies through Integrated Theory and Field Training [September 2, 2025] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) is hosting the 2025 Saemaul Leadership Training Program for Francophone and Spanish-speaking Africa, sponsored by Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety, to share the philosophy and strategies of the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) with government officials, university professors, and community leaders from Africa. The program brings together 28 high-level participants from the Central African Republic, Guinea, and Equatorial Guinea for an 8-night, 10-day training (August 27 – September 5), combining campus-based learning with on-site visits to directly experience Korea’s rural development model. The training is designed to convey both the institutional and spiritual values of the Saemaul Undong, along with Korea’s socio-economic development experience, while helping participants derive actionable strategies applicable to their own countries’ rural development policies. Through lectures and workshops organized by YU, participants will study principles and strategies of the Saemaul Undong, rural finance systems, value chain-based regional development in agriculture, and community leadership organization. They will also engage in group discussions and presentations, drafting and sharing their own Action Plans tailored to local contexts. In addition to campus programs, the delegation will visit farms in Gyeongsan, the Saemaul Undong Birthplace Memorial Hall in Cheongdo, and POSCO, gaining firsthand exposure to Korea’s agricultural innovation, industrial advancement, and the transformative spirit of the Saemaul movement reflected in local communities. <YU President CHOI Oe-chool delivering a special lecture to the training participants.> President CHOI Oe-chool remarked, “The Saemaul Undong has been recognized by the international community as a successful anti-poverty strategy and policy. YU has institutionalized it as an academic discipline—Saemaul Studies—and has been providing systematic education and training for government officials, researchers, and local leaders from developing countries. I hope this training will equip participants with the capacity to lead positive change in Africa based on Korea’s development experience and the Saemaul spirit. YU graduates have long served as pioneers of industrial growth, contributing not only to humanity but also to elevating Korea’s global standing. We will continue to devote our efforts to nurturing global leaders who improve the quality of life for people in need around the world.” The Institute for International Development Cooperation (IIDC) at YU has been conducting Saemaul Undong-based short-term training programs for government officials and community leaders from developing countries. To date, over 3,400 participants from 50 countries have completed the program, which is regarded as a practical international cooperation model contributing to increased household income and community capacity-building.
- PR team
- 2025. 09. 12
- 2025. 09. 02
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Published Simultaneously in Coordination Chemistry Reviews (IF 24.6) and Small (IF 13.3) Synthesis of High-Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles and Machine Learning-Based Property Prediction Potential Applications in Defense, Aerospace, and Next-Generation Energy Industries [September 2, 2025] <From left, Prof. PARK Noh-geun (School of Materials Science and Engineering), Prof. Wael Aljobi> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) Professor PARK Noh-geun and his research team at the School of Materials Science and Engineering have successfully realized high-entropy alloys (HEAs) at the nanoscale and established a new research framework that integrates machine learning techniques to predict their properties. The team’s groundbreaking results were published simultaneously in two internationally renowned journals—Coordination Chemistry Reviews (Impact Factor 24.6) and Small (Impact Factor 13.3)—underscoring YU’s world-class research capabilities. Professor PARK has been at the forefront of HEA research, having published the first SCIE-indexed paper in the field in Korea more than a decade ago. Since then, he has authored over 100 papers, with many appearing in top-tier journals within the top 10% of the JCR rankings, earning global recognition for his research excellence. Recently, his work has expanded into the field of superalloys (nickel-based super-heat-resistant alloys), key materials for defense and aerospace engine components. By combining nanoscale quantitative analysis with AI-driven data methodologies, Professor PARK has established an advanced research approach. The two recently published papers are an extension of this trajectory, further enhancing the potential for applications across national strategic industries, including defense, aerospace, and next-generation energy. Professor PARK remarked, “With the spirit of On-go-ji-shin (learning new things by reviewing the old), I have broadened my research scope by merging the knowledge accumulated in Korea’s traditional steel and automotive parts industries with AI and machine learning technologies. This serves as a bridge connecting conventional metal industries with the emerging frontier of advanced materials.” He added, “Through AI-based data interpretation and optimized process design, I aim not only to revitalize traditional materials industries in Gyeongsangbuk-do but also to contribute to the advancement of the defense and next-generation energy sectors.” Beyond academic contributions, Professor PARK is also actively transferring research outcomes to the industrial ecosystem. He serves as director of the Intelligent Advanced Materials Human Resource Development Project for “Legend 50+ Enterprises,” designated by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and Gyeongbuk Technopark. Through this initiative, he supports R&D, validation, and workforce training while fostering industry–university cooperation with companies across Yeongcheon, Yeongju, Gyeongsan, Gyeongju, Pohang, and Gumi. His efforts are strengthening AI-driven talent pipelines, supporting student employment, and revitalizing regional communities.
- PR team
- 2025. 09. 12
- 2025. 09. 02
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YU Holds ‘YU RISE Performance Creation Strategy Seminar’ on August 28 Establishes Foundation for Successful Implementation of Gyeongsangbuk-do RISE and Strengthened Regional Innovation Cooperation Shared Strategies for Performance Creation through Industry-Academia-Research-Government Collaboration and Signed Joint Industry-Academia Research Agreements [August 29, 2025] Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) held the ‘YU RISE Performance Creation Strategy Seminar’ on August 28 at the Cheonma Art Center. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Education, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and the Gyeongbuk RISE Center, and organized by YU, brought together more than 100 participants, including representatives from Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongbuk RISE Center, Gyeongsan City, Gyeongbuk Technopark, local governments, innovation agencies, regional companies, university officials, and students. The seminar was designed to ensure the successful implementation of the RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education) project in Gyeongsangbuk-do and to strengthen regional innovation cooperation networks. Participants shared policy directions for RISE as well as YU’s RISE implementation strategies, while also discussing mid- to long-term development strategies and regional innovation plans. The event featured keynote lectures and presentation sessions. Senior Researcher KIM Hyun-sung of the Gyeongbuk RISE Center’s Policy Coordination Team presented on “The Status of Gyeongsangbuk-do RISE and Strategies for Building a MEGAversity Consortium,” outlining the broader vision for regional innovation. Following this, KIM Seung-chul, Director of YU’s RISE Project Group, presented “YU’s RISE Vision and Implementation Goals,” offering detailed strategies and directions at the university level. A highlight of the event was the ‘YU RISE Launch Ceremony,’ where YU formally declared its RISE vision to both internal and external stakeholders, reaffirming its commitment to performance creation through industry-academia-research-government collaboration. During the subsequent signing ceremony, various cooperation agreements were concluded, including ▲support for startup discovery and growth, ▲nurturing Gyeongbuk-style anchor companies, and ▲implementation of locally tailored industry-academia joint technology development projects. These agreements concretized practical measures for linking local companies and the university. In his welcoming remarks, President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “As a university leading regional innovation and growth, Yeungnam University will serve as a strong pillar for the development of local industries and for retaining young talent through the Gyeongsangbuk-do RISE project. By fully leveraging the university’s educational and research capabilities, we will generate the innovative outcomes that the region needs, and by fostering close cooperation with local governments, companies, and research institutions, we will establish a virtuous-cycle ecosystem in which industry, academia, research, and government grow together.” He added, “Based on nearly 80 years of accumulated educational and research capacity, YU will maximize its creative potential and drive the RISE project with a global perspective, enabling regional industries and talent to contribute to humanity in an era of limitless competition. We will strive to make YU’s efforts a model case of regional innovation, expanding not only throughout Gyeongbuk and Korea but also onto the global stage as a successful benchmark.” Meanwhile, through the RISE project, YU has set forth the vision of becoming the “No.1 Innovation Growth Engine Growing Together with the Region and the World.” To achieve this, the university is pursuing seven major initiatives: △establishing a K-complete startup ecosystem, △fostering specialized Gyeongbuk-style anchor companies, △SME-based deep-tech R&D, △an all-in-one platform for realizing innovative ideas, △training future-oriented, field-ready high-level professionals, △operating a Gyeongbuk Mobility Innovation University, and △advancing a Saemaul Development Experience Sharing Platform. Furthermore, YU is developing a full-cycle support system for regional industrial growth while nurturing region-specific talent as a central innovation hub. In 2025, as the chair university of the Gyeongsangbuk-do RISE University Council, YU is leading collaboration among universities across the province and playing a key role in building the regional innovation ecosystem.
- PR team
- 2025. 09. 12
- 2025. 08. 29
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Degrees Conferred at Cheonma Art Center Grand Hall on the 22nd, Including Graduate School Representatives 96 Doctoral, 299 Master’s, and 903 Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded Across Colleges and Graduate Schools 214 International Students, Including PSPS Graduates, Earn Degrees [August 22, 2025] YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) held “2024 Second-Semester Degree Conferment Ceremony” on the 22nd. All doctoral degree recipients and representatives of master's degree recipients from general graduate schools attended the graduation ceremony held at YU Cheonma Art Center Grand Hall and President CHOI Oe-chool and President CHOI Oe-chool and Dean LEE Byeong-jun of graduate school awarded degrees to the graduates and congratulated them. Individual colleges and special graduate schools—including Graduate School of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Culture and Art Design, Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Engineering, and Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS)—also held separate degree conferral ceremonies. <President CHOI Oe-chool conferring degrees at the Second-Semester Degree Conferment Ceremony of YU 2024.> On this day, YU conferred degrees on 903 bachelor's graduates, 299 master's graduates, and 96 doctoral graduates. Among them were 214 international students (102 bachelor's, 54 master's, and 58 doctorates), and 112 undergraduate students received multiple degrees for completing two or more majors. <Chairperson HAN Jae-sook of Yeongnam School Corporation gives a congratulatory speech> <President CHOI Oe-chool delivers a commemorative speech at the degree conferral ceremony> In his commencement address, President CHOI stated, “I sincerely congratulate all Yeungnam University graduates on the honorable conferral of your degrees. I also extend my gratitude and respect to the parents who have raised you with devotion and love, and to the professors and staff who have guided you with passion and trust. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, you persevered and completed your studies with strong determination. International students from diverse countries should also take pride in overcoming new environments and cultural differences to complete your academic journeys. From now on, you will live in a rapidly changing society shaped by AI, big data, and other emerging forces, and you will also face complex global challenges such as climate change. However, with the knowledge and experiences you have gained at YU, and with the spirit of the Cheonma, you are well prepared to overcome these challenges. Based on the founding spirit of President Park Chung Hee, Yeungnam University has long produced leaders who have contributed to national development. Going forward, YU will continue to nurture talents who will not only elevate Korea into a nation of dignity but also contribute to solving global challenges and advancing human society. I wish you boundless honor and success in all your future endeavors.”
- PR team
- 2025. 08. 28
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Gyeongsan City’s University Student Volunteer Corps Completes 12-Day Mission in Mongolia Education, Culture, and Environmental Volunteer Activities in Ulaanbaatar and Terelj National Park Korean Culture Programs and ESG Practices Foster Global Citizenship “An Experience That Becomes a Lifetime Asset” — Reflections Shared at Closing Ceremony [August 18, 2025] University students from Gyeongsan have successfully completed their global social contribution activities in Mongolia during the summer vacation. Organized by Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) and sponsored by Gyeongsan City (Mayor CHO Hyun-il), the Overseas Volunteer Corps of the 2025 Global Future Talent Development Project held a closing ceremony on August 14, marking the end of their 12-night, 13-day journey. A total of 18 students, selected from six universities in the Gyeongsan region, took part in this initiative. From July 14, they carried out diverse programs in education, culture, and environmental service in Ulaanbaatar and Terelj National Park, strengthening their competencies as global leaders. At elementary schools and the Erdem Orphanage in Ulaanbaatar, students introduced Korean traditional culture and art experiences, and conducted creative education programs such as robotics lessons using computer coding—receiving enthusiastic responses from local children. They also engaged in cultural exchanges with Mongolian National University students majoring in Korean language, where they conducted Korean language instruction and K-POP performances, deepening mutual understanding among youths of both countries. In Terelj National Park, the volunteers planted trees and participated in plogging (jogging while collecting litter), directly practicing environmental stewardship and carbon neutrality. Throughout the program, they built friendships that transcended language and cultural barriers, while broadening their perspectives and responsibilities as global citizens. YU student BAE Gi-tae (junior, Department of Robotics), who served as team representative, said, “At first, the word ‘volunteering’ felt like a heavy burden, but through the smiles and warm welcome of our friends in Mongolia, I realized I was the one who learned the most. Drawing one shining star together with my fellow volunteers will remain one of the greatest assets of my life.” At the closing ceremony, Gyeongsan Mayor CHO Hyun-il stated, “Your dedication and hard work in Mongolia have nurtured the global mindset of Gyeongsan’s youth, and this will serve as a foundation for developing our city into an educational hub for future talent. We will continue to expand support so that more students can take on challenges on the global stage.” President CHOI Oe-chool of YU emphasized, “This overseas volunteer program has provided students with valuable opportunities to experience different cultures and lives, fostering responsibility and a spirit of community. We must not deplete today’s resources merely to live well in the present. Instead, we should use them with the mindset that we are borrowing from future generations, and return them with greater value so that society can remain sustainable and continue to progress.” He added, “I hope this experience broadens students’ horizons and helps them discover their potential. YU will spare no effort to support local youth so they may grow into leaders capable of addressing global challenges and proudly playing their roles on the world stage.” Meanwhile, the 2025 Global Future Talent Development Project is a collaborative program between YU and Gyeongsan City that offers local youth opportunities to strengthen their global competencies through meaningful social contribution activities abroad. This year’s Mongolia mission achieved significant outcomes in education, culture, and the environment, positioning itself as a sustainable model for linking local communities with the wider world.
- PR team
- 2025. 08. 28
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Over Four Decades of Contributions to the Sports and Outdoor Industry, Dedicated to Alma Mater and Nurturing Future Talent Naming Plaque Ceremony for “LEE Yong-hwan Lecture Room” Held, Honoring His Love for His Alma Mater President CHOI Oe-chool: “Chairman Lee’s Spirit of Challenge and Dedication Will Be a Great Example for Our Students” [August 25, 2025] <YU conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering on Chairman LEE Yong-hwan on August 22.> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering to LEE Yong-hwan, Chairman of Hi-Tech Textile Co., Ltd., in a ceremony held at the LEE Siwon Global Convention Hall on August 22. Following the degree conferment, a naming plaque ceremony for the “LEE Yong-hwan Lecture Room” was held in Room 216 of the Textile Building, commemorating an alumnus who has devoted himself to the development of both his alma mater and Korea’s textile and sports industries. The ceremony was attended by President CHOI Oe-chool, HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation, major university officials, alumni, family members, and students—over 100 participants in total. The program included the conferment ceremony, a commemorative luncheon, a scholarship award ceremony, congratulatory performances, and group photography, providing a meaningful occasion to honor Chairman Lee’s achievements and dedication to YU. Chairman LEE entered YU’s Department of Textile Engineering in 1970, where he excelled academically and was recognized multiple times as a scholarship recipient. After graduation, he contributed to the sportswear industry through his work at leading domestic and international companies such as Hanil Synthetic Fiber and Nike.In 1988, he founded Hi-Tech Textile Co., Ltd., serving as CEO, and advanced Korea’s global competitiveness in the sports and outdoor industry through high-performance material development and ODM-based product supply. In particular, through a technical partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation in 2007, he succeeded in producing Korea’s first 10-denier ultralight down jacket, significantly contributing to the widespread adoption of winter outerwear in the country. His entrepreneurial spirit—turning the challenges of the Asian financial crisis into opportunities through bold innovation—has become a model for the industry. Since 2007, Chairman Lee has consistently supported YU students through scholarship donations. As President of the YU Department of Textile and Fashion Alumni Association in Seoul from 2008, he organized trend seminars and knowledge-sharing forums, further contributing to alumni development.In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Cheonma Honors Club in 2021. During the ceremony, scholarship recipients of the LEE Yong-hwan & KIM Jeom-hee Scholarship read letters of gratitude, expressing deep respect and appreciation to Chairman Lee and his spouse. Immediately after the degree conferment, the naming plaque ceremony for the “LEE Yong-hwan Lecture Room” was held to honor alumni who have made significant contributions to the university’s development. The plaque features a relief portrait of Chairman Lee, while Professor SHIN Gi-woon of the Department of Transart presented a sculpted bust of Lee, adding symbolic meaning to the occasion. A representative from the Office of External Affairs explained that the lecture room would serve as a space embodying Chairman Lee’s deep affection for his alma mater and his juniors. In his acceptance remarks, Chairman LEE said, “I am truly honored to receive this prestigious Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from my alma mater. It is especially meaningful to share this moment with Chairperson HAN Jae-sook, President CHOI Oe-chool, my professors, alumni, and family members. The spirit and teachings I received at YU have been the driving force of my life. Going forward, I wish to continue contributing to the nurturing of global leaders who will shape the rapidly changing world. I will spare no effort in supporting my juniors so that they may thrive on the global stage.” President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Today’s conferment of the Honorary Doctorate of Engineering to Chairman LEE Yong-hwan, along with the unveiling of the lecture room plaque, is a profoundly meaningful event. As a pioneer of Korea’s sports and outdoor industry, Chairman Lee has not only advanced the industry but has also been a devoted supporter of his alma mater and its students, setting an enduring example of affection and generosity. Every student who studies in the newly named ‘LEE Yong-hwan Lecture Room’ will be inspired by his spirit of challenge and dedication, applying themselves diligently to study and research while growing into global leaders. YU will continue striving for greater advancement, nurturing talented individuals who will elevate Korea as a more dignified nation and contribute to the shared prosperity of humanity.”
- PR team
- 2025. 08. 28
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Professor MOON Byung-san’s Research Team in Biomedical Engineering Reveals Mechanism Regulating Neural Progenitor Cell Self-Renewal and Differentiation Published in Leading International Journal Experimental and Molecular Medicine (Top 3.8% in Medicine) Breakthrough Expected to Accelerate Stem Cell–Based Therapies and Drug Development for Brain Disorders [August 12, 2025] <From left, Professor MOON Byung-san and Ph.D. candidate Maitikuinnu> A research team led by Professor MOON Byung-san from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has identified a novel molecular mechanism that regulates the self-renewal and differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs).The study newly defines the “Wnt-Mbd3 axis” as a key pathway governing the maintenance of stemness and neuronal differentiation of NPCs, offering crucial insights that may pave the way for therapeutic strategies for abnormal brain development and neurodegenerative disorders. The research findings were published online on August 1, 2025, in Experimental and Molecular Medicine (Impact Factor: 12.9), an SCI-indexed international journal ranked in the top 3.8% in the field of Medicine, Research & Experimental. Ph.D. candidate Maitikuinnu served as the first author, with Professor MOON as the corresponding author. The team discovered that Wnt signaling enhances the stability of the Mbd3 protein. Stabilized Mbd3, in conjunction with the NuRD complex, suppresses the expression of neuronal differentiation genes, thereby maintaining the stemness of NPCs.This breakthrough demonstrates for the first time that Wnt signaling and the Mbd3-NuRD complex—previously considered independent—function synergistically through the “Wnt-Mbd3 axis.” The study has been hailed as a major advance in understanding how neuronal fate is determined. It carries far-reaching implications, not only for brain development but also for developing stem cell–based therapeutic technologies for degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.By artificially modulating the Wnt-Mbd3 axis, it may become possible to direct stem cells to differentiate into specific types of neurons. This could also be leveraged to establish drug-screening platforms and significantly enhance the efficiency of new drug development. . Professor MOON stated, “This research builds upon our long-standing studies in neural stem cell biology and represents a meaningful achievement that can guide new approaches in treating both brain developmental disorders and degenerative neurological diseases. Moving forward, we plan to further investigate the interaction between Wnt signaling and epigenetic regulation mechanisms, and extend this work to disease models related to aging and infertility.” Prior to this study, Professor MOON’s team had already drawn attention in the field of stem cell regulation by publishing a series of related findings in leading journals including PLoS Biology (2017), PNAS (2017), Nature Communications (2018), and Journal of Clinical Investigation (2020).
- PR team
- 2025. 08. 28
- 2025. 08. 12
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Participants from 20 Countries Share Diverse Korean Stories of Communication and Inspiration Presentations Highlight K-Brands, Local Communities, and Korean Culture 15 Winners Including the Grand Prize… “Korean is a Language that Connects the World” [July 21, 2025] Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) hosted the 2025 YU World Korean Speech Contest on July 17 at the Lee Si-won Global Convention Hall in Cheonma Art Center. Held in celebration of the university’s 78th anniversary, the contest brought together foreign high school and university (including graduate school) students to showcase their Korean language skills and engage in global cultural exchange through Korean language and culture. This year’s competition attracted more than 70 applicants from 20 countries, including China, Vietnam, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Ghana, and Mexico. After document screening and recorded video evaluations, 15 finalists were selected to present their unique Korean-language stories and experiences. Presentation topics covered a wide range of themes connecting Korea and the world, including: ▲ My Korean Study Abroad Story ▲ Global Common Challenges and Ideas for Solutions ▲ The Value and Significance of K-Brands ▲ Understanding K-POP and Korean Culture ▲ Korea’s Development Experience ▲ Global Citizenship and Korean Culture The final round was conducted in a hybrid format, combining on-site and online participation. Overseas university contestants joined the finals via live online presentations, and the entire event was streamed live on YouTube, delivering the passion and enthusiasm for the Korean language to viewers in real time. Contestants impressed the audience with their fluent Korean and outstanding presentation skills. Awards were presented for Grand Prize, Excellence Award, Encouragement Award, and Best Presentation Award to participants who excelled in creativity, delivery, and expressiveness. All awardees also received prize money. The Grand Prize (1st place) went to Akkhasang Thanyarat from Thailand, who moved the audience deeply with an authentic and heartfelt presentation on the theme My Korean Study Abroad Story. In her acceptance speech, she said, “When I first came to Yeungnam University, everything felt unfamiliar and challenging, but learning Korean here allowed me to connect more closely with people. Preparing for this contest helped me improve my Korean skills, and I’m so happy to have created another joyful memory.” In his congratulatory remarks, YU President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “This contest goes beyond simply competing in Korean language skills. It is a space to share and connect over Korea’s development experience and cultural values. I hope participants will broaden their understanding of Korean language and culture, and reflect on the direction humanity should take to live together.” He added, “YU will continue to actively support foreign students’ growth and their meaningful ties with Korea through diverse educational programs. We will further develop YU into a university where people from around the world can come together to share wisdom and nurture their dreams.” Meanwhile, YU has been holding the Korean speech contest annually for foreign students, along with Korean cultural experience programs and community engagement activities, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote communication, settlement, and the cultivation of global talent among international students.
- PR team
- 2025. 08. 13
- 2025. 07. 21
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Korea, Now a Developed Nation, Gives Back to Ethiopia by Nurturing Saemaul Leaders Sharing Korea’s Development Experience… Werabe University Students and Faculty Visit YU Saemaul Movement, Digital Education, and Cultural Experiences Lay Foundation for Strategic International Development Partnership [July 25, 2025] A delegation of students and faculty from Werabe University, a national university in Ethiopia, visited Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) to learn about Korea’s development experience and the field of Saemaul Studies.This invitation is drawing attention as a practical example of international cooperation rooted in the spirit of “gratitude” toward Ethiopia, which aided Korea during the Korean War, at a time when Korea has grown into a developed nation and is now contributing to the global community. The Institute for International Development Cooperation (IIDC) at YU hosted the 2025 Werabe University Training Program from July 20 to 25.The program was designed to strengthen mutual understanding and bonds through academic and cultural exchanges and hands-on learning, while building a strategic partnership to serve as the foundation for future international development cooperation projects. Werabe University, located in southern Ethiopia, has been expanding joint initiatives in Saemaul Studies, forestry, agricultural development, and digital education since signing an MOU with YU in 2022.In particular, Werabe University has been working to incorporate the Saemaul Movement into its community development strategies. With this visit, the university plans to establish a new Department of Saemaul Forestry in September, enrolling 20 freshmen, thereby solidifying bilateral cooperation in rural development and Saemaul Studies education. The visiting delegation consisted of nine members, including the Chief of Staff to the University President, Special Advisor to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Student Affairs, and Director of the E-Learning Center, along with five students from the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Forestry.Their program at YU included attending classes at the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS), touring the university museum, science library, and Smart Education Center, and participating in various educational activities. The group also visited key sites such as the birthplace of the Saemaul Movement at the Gumi Saemaul Foundation, the Chilgok Patriots & Peace Memorial, and POSCO to study Korea’s history and development experience. Additionally, they experienced Korean nature and culture through activities such as exploring Gampo Beach, visiting a traditional market, and touring the Daegu Kansong Art Museum. Meanwhile, YU’s Department of Computer Science and Werabe University’s Department of Computer Science were jointly selected for the 2025 Ministry of Education Global Education Support Project. From May 2025 to January 2026, they are conducting the “EduTech Bridge Cooperation Project for Strengthening SW Education Capacity and Digital Vocational Training at Werabe University.” As part of this effort, the Korea–Ethiopia SW EduTech Forum was also held during the training program. The forum aimed to promote SW education to foster digital talent and upgrade the industrial base in Ethiopia’s Silte Zone. It served as a platform for sharing Korea’s advanced digital education models and EduTech technologies, and for building a cooperative education model between the two nations. The event is being hailed as a strategic starting point for establishing a sustainable Korea–Ethiopia digital education cooperation system. President CHOI Oe-chool of YU stated, “Korea was once a nation that received help from the international community, but it has now grown into a developed country that shares its Saemaul development experience and growth model with the world. In particular, offering education and cooperation to Ethiopia, which shed blood to help us during the Korean War, is the most meaningful act of gratitude Korea can give.” He continued, “Although Korea’s population and land area are less than 1% of the world’s total, we achieved remarkable growth through the leadership of our people and leaders. That experience has become a valuable asset in addressing common challenges of humanity. Sharing it with the international community, especially developing nations, is Korea’s responsibility.” He added,“YU will continue to work with Ethiopia and other African countries, nurturing global talent in Saemaul Studies to help solve Ethiopia’s challenges, contribute to humanity’s shared prosperity, and fulfill the university’s role in serving the international community.” To date, YU’s IIDC has provided Saemaul development training programs to over 3,400 public officials and community leaders from 50 countries, contributing to increased farm income and strengthened community capacity. These programs are recognized as a practical cooperation model with developing countries.
- PR team
- 2025. 08. 13
- 2025. 07. 25
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