Pukyong National University

National Pukyong University and Busan’s Business Leaders Make a Bold Bet on Glocal University-Joint Talk Concert with Busan Chamber of Commerce on the 29th-Invited Lecture by Chairperson of the Local Era Committee Highlighting the Role of Glocal Universities for Busan’s FuturePukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has made a bold move, presenting Busan’s future innovation vision alongside representatives from the Busan business community, ahead of the Glocal University 30 project application deadline. On April 29th at 4 p.m., Pukyong National University and the Busan Chamber of Commerce co-hosted the 2025 Pukyong National University - Busan Business Community Talk Concert" at the Pukyong Convention Hall. The event was organized by Pukyong National University to share innovative strategies for Busan to expand as a global hub city, and to establish a strong collaborative network for the promotion of the Glocal University 30 project, alongside major representatives from Busan’s business community. Prior to the talk concert, Woo Dong-gi, Chairman of the Local Era Committee, delivered a guest lecture on "Training Global Talent for the Local Era and the Role of Universities." Following this, Pukyong National University President Bae Sang-hoon moderated the talk concert on the topic ‘The Key to Unlocking the Future of Busan as a Global Hub City.’ The panel included Sung Hee-yeop, Policy Senior Advisor of Busan Metropolitan City, Lee Hee-seung, President of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Kim Hyeong-gyun, President of Busan Technopark, Jeong Hyun-min, Executive Vice President of the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kim Kwang-soo, President of the Busan Employers Federation, Choi Woo-chan, Director of Dongguk CM Technology Research Institute, Park Yong-jun, CEO of Samjin Foods, and Kwak Dong-jin, Ph.D. candidate at Pukyong National University, who participated in the heated discussion. President Bae Sang-hoon stated, "Through this event, I hope to share strategies for nurturing talent that will thrive on the global stage while settling in the region and to create a strong foundation for geosystem-industry-academic collaboration for regional development."  

National Pukyong University, Challenging National Research Institutes with Marine Mineral Resource Convergence Technology- Full-scale Advancement of Marine Specialized Research Hub Leading the Way in Securing Next-Generation Resource Sovereignty National Pukyong University (President Bae Sang-hoon) is challenging the establishment of a large-scale convergence research institute for securing national strategic resources in the marine mineral resources field. The university announced that it has officially entered the competition for the 2025 'National Research Institute (NRL 2.0)' project, jointly promoted by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and ICT, with a proposal to establish the 'Future Marine Mineral Resource Convergence Research Institute.' The 'National Research Institute (NRL 2.0)' project is designed to foster convergence research institutes that can conduct world-class research using the excellent research personnel and infrastructure possessed by universities. The selected universities will receive block funding of up to 100 billion KRW over a span of 10 years, allowing for autonomous research operations and the execution of large-scale, long-term research projects. Pukyong National University has proposed a convergence research institute model that encompasses the entire resource development cycle, from deep-sea resource exploration to mining and refining. The university has emphasized its differentiation from existing research by incorporating future-oriented research and development through 4th industrial technologies, such as AI-based deep-sea exploration, digital twin mining technologies, and eco-friendly rare metal recovery processes. In addition, Pukyong National University has established a close collaboration system with the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, and private marine technology companies. A total of 26 researchers, including faculty members from Pukyong National University, will participate in the project, laying the foundation for long-term and stable research. If selected as a national research institute, the university plans to secure full-time researchers, build research facilities, and operate international joint research and talent development programs. Pukyong National University President, Bae Sang-hoon, stated, "With this challenge for the national research institute project, I expect that Pukyong National University will take a leap forward as a national strategic research hub in the marine resource field. The university will play a central role in achieving technological independence in deep-sea resource development and securing resource sovereignty."  

Busan's Leading National Universities, Pusan National University and Pukyong National University, Kickstart Innovation Model for Joint Development and Future Growth of Busan National Universities- Agreement signed on 25th to intensify cooperation in education and research, including joint graduate school operation- Joint development of advanced science and technology curricula, and establishment of regional industry-linked cooperation network Pusan National University (President Choi Jae-won) and Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon), representing Busan's leading national universities, have teamed up to promote sustainable development and establish an innovative collaboration model for the higher education ecosystem in Busan. On April 25th at 3 PM, Pusan National University and Pukyong National University held a signing ceremony for the 'Mutual Agreement for Joint Development of National Universities in Busan' at Pukyong National University's Jangbogo Hall on the first floor. Through this agreement, the two universities aim to collaborate in various areas, including joint development of graduate programs focused on △cultivating science and technology talent △the exchange and joint utilization of resources △the establishment of an industry-academia-research network linked with local industries △the joint development and operation of advanced science and technology curricula. In particular, the two universities have agreed to establish a long-term collaboration framework based on the national "1 Province, 1 National University" model in response to the decline in school-age population, aiming to strengthen both the public nature and efficiency of higher education. To ensure the smooth implementation of this agreement, the universities will form a "joint committee" and collaboratively develop short- and medium-term action plans to gradually specify their cooperation. Notably, as part of the Glocal University 30 project currently being pursued by National Pukyong University, a plan to establish the "National Busan Institute of Science and Technology" (tentative name) in the form of a joint graduate school will be included in the project proposal, marking the first step toward substantial collaboration. Additionally, the universities plan to create a pioneering model of collaboration between national universities in the Busan region by expanding effective research and development (R&D) and generating joint outcomes through collaboration with local businesses and research institutions. In the agreement ceremony, President Choi Jae-won of Busan National University stated, "As national universities shouldering the public responsibility of the region, we will collaborate based on mutual respect and trust, and together explore new directions for higher education." President Bae Sang-hoon of National Pukyong University expressed, "By actively utilizing the exceptional capabilities and infrastructure of both universities across all areas of higher education and regional collaboration, we expect a significant synergy effect that will lead the future competitiveness of the southeastern region and the country."

Pukyong National University Unveils 'Busan-type KAIST and Blue Ocean Tech' Glocal Vision- Held 'Glocal University 30 Innovation Strategy Overview Seminar' on the 22ndPukyong National University (President: Bae Sang-hoon) held a comprehensive briefing on the Glocal University 30 Innovation Strategy for all members on the afternoon of April 22 at the university's main building conference room. During the seminar, the university declared its vision to become the ‘Global No. 1 University Leading Advanced Ocean and Marine Innovation,’ emphasizing the concept of "Blue Ocean Tech." Blue Ocean Tech refers to the innovative technology that combines advanced technologies with the existing fisheries and marine industries to transform them into future high-value-added industries. The university also proposed several strategies, including the establishment of a national university joint research body, "BAIST", the development of interdisciplinary talent in Blue Ocean Tech, and the establishment of the UniSchool model in collaboration with the Department of Education. Specifically, the plan is to establish a joint graduate school among national universities to conduct future industry-academia-research collaboration, with the goal of training 1,000 master’s and doctoral students over the next three years. Additionally, 200 Blue Ocean Tech modular tracks will be operated to train around 1,000 Blue Ocean Tech talents annually. The university also plans to create a life-cycle education hub through the “UniSchool” model, which integrates education from kindergarten to high school, as well as lifelong learning. Furthermore, the university aims to expand its foreign student enrollment from the current 1,700 to 3,000 students. To this end, Pukyong National University has been taking proactive steps by signing agreements with various local, industrial, academic, and research institutions such as the Busan Institute, the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Busan Economic Promotion Agency, the Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Equipment Research Institute, the Korea Energy Economics Institute, and the Korea Institute of Materials Science to build a strong collaboration network. Pukyong National University President Baek Sang-hoon stated, "We plan to establish a joint governance system with local governments to create a regionally focused innovation model. We will lead not only innovation within the university but also in the local community, becoming a strong partner for the region and a world-leading university in the Blue Ocean Tech field."

Training Future Leaders in Marine Blue TechPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) Professor Kim Young-mok (Major of Food Science and Nutrition) and his research team have been selected for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' "Marine Blue Tech Future Leaders Training Project." Pukyong National University was selected in the "Blue Food and Bio" sector of this project, where the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is investing a large budget to foster research personnel in the marine new industry sector. Over the next five years, from now until 2029, the project will receive a total of 4.3 billion KRW in support to establish new majors related to Blue Food and to train future global talent who will lead the Blue Food industry. Blue food, which refers to food made from seafood, is considered a sustainable future growth industry. Blue Tech is a new industry that integrates technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), into the Blue Food sector. Through this project, Pukyong National University plans to carry out advanced integrated technology research and development across all stages of Blue Food production, processing, distribution, and functional food development. Additionally, the university aims to provide a systematic education program and train 120 master's and doctoral level experts. To achieve this, the research project leader, Professor Kim Yeong-mok, along with 42 faculty members from Pukyong National University, as well as experts from various industries, academia, and research institutions, including Professor Lee Ki-won from Seoul National University, Dr. Kim Yun-sook from the Korea Food Research Institute, CEO Jang Jong-soo from Deokhwa Food, CEO Bae Jae-hyun from Aqua Lab, CEO Song Geon-ho from Lynx Up, Director Kim Jeong-seon from Bapsnu, and Manager Kim Jun-hyuk from Sarang and Seonhaeng, have formed a consortium called the ‘Global Blue Food Future Talent Development Project Team.’ Collaborating institutions include domestic organizations such as the National Fisheries Research & Development Institute, National Fisheries Quality Inspection Service, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Korea Marine and Ocean Development Institute, Busan Techno Park, Dongwon Industries, Dongwon F&B, Samjin Food, Eco Aqua Farm, as well as overseas universities including Purdue University, Hokkaido University, and Ohio State University. The key initiatives include: △Advanced technology convergence R&D in production, processing, distribution, and functional food sectors for the advancement of the blue food industry △Development of a specialized curriculum based on four modules: fisheries, aquaculture, processing, and distribution △Education in core technologies of the fourth industrial revolution in collaboration with the faculty of the Department of Information and Communication Engineering (led by Professor Ryu Ji-yeol) △Industry-academia-research-based practical education programs, including mentoring, internships, and lectures from external experts △Strengthening global capabilities through student exchange programs with overseas universities. Professor Kim Yeong-mok stated, "Through this project, we aim to establish ourselves as a hub for nurturing the next generation of leaders in the global blue food industry and actively contribute to leading the paradigm shift in the future food industry." Additionally, Professor Kim Yeong-mok is focused on developing technologies for the high value-added processing of blue food at the Marine Bionics Convergence Technology Center (headed by Professor Jeong Won-gyo) at Pukyong National University.

Pukyong National University Selected for Arctic Ice Research 'Polar Open Innovation' Project- Professor Moon Woo-seok's research team aims to enhance the accuracy of Arctic climate change predictionsPukyong National University Professor Moon Woo-seok’s research team (Department of Environmental Atmospheric Science) has been selected for the 2025 Polar Open Innovation Project by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Marine and Ocean Science and Technology Institute. This project is part of the open call for the Arctic Ocean and Seafloor Environment Exploration Program. Its aim is to enhance Arctic Ocean research capabilities through studies on the sensitive Arctic marine-ecosystem-seafloor environment, addressing global climate change. The research team led by Professor Moon Woo-seok, selected for this project, proposed the topic: *"A New Perspective on Arctic Sea Ice Albedo Feedback: Analysis of Summer Instability Mechanisms Based on Field Observations and Reanalysis Data."* The team will receive 525 million KRW in research funding over the next year to improve the accuracy of sea ice change predictions, incorporating the instability mechanisms of late summer Arctic conditions. The reduction in Arctic Sea ice is closely linked to global climate change, and this research is expected to play a key role in improving the accuracy of global climate prediction models. The research team plans to conduct direct explorations of the Arctic to gather data on ocean heat flux, ice-atmosphere interactions, and albedo effects. By identifying additional sea ice heat supply processes beyond current climate prediction models, they aim to significantly enhance the accuracy of predictions related to Arctic Sea ice area reduction. Additionally, for statistical modeling of climate data, they will analyze and preprocess observational data from the icebreaker Araon, as well as reanalysis data from the Arctic atmosphere and oceans, to perform comparative verification. Professor Moon Woo-seok stated, "This research will improve the accuracy of Arctic climate predictions, providing crucial information for policies to mitigate climate change. It is also expected to contribute to strengthening industrial competitiveness related to the opening of Arctic shipping routes and the development of energy resources."

 # What is Baekgyeong Tower? Baekgyeong Tower is a memorial dedicated to our youth who lost their lives at sea while pioneering the distant-water fishing industry of South Korea. On May 15, 1971, the alumni association and student union of Busan Fisheries University built the tower to mark the 30th anniversary of the university's founding. The original name of the tower was the Baekgyeong Memorial Tower. The tower was first erected at the easternmost end of the campus, closest to the Pacific Ocean, which is now the site of the on-campus children's daycare center. The university's distant-water fishing practice started in 1957 when 48 students embarked on a voyage aboard a 103-ton wooden ship, heading to the Keelung Harbor in Taiwan. Among the trainees was Kim Jae-cheol, the honorary chairman of Dongwon Group, who later became a pioneering figure in the industry. In 1958, he became the practicing navigator aboard the Zinam-ho, South Korea's first commercial distant-water fishing vessel, which launched Dongwon Group's success. # Origin of the Name The name of the tower is derived from Baekgyeongho (398 tons), the university's training vessel that pioneered the waters of the North Pacific, the primary stage for South Korea's distant-water fishing industry. The distant-water training vessel, Baekgyeongho, was built in 1964 under the orders of Park Jung-hee, the Chairman of the National Reconstruction Council. The ship was part of South Korea's determination to rebuild the nation through distant-water fishing after the devastation of war. The construction of Baekgyeongho, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, was regarded as a national undertaking, with 0.1% of the national budget allocated for its construction. The nameplate of Baekgyeongho (now housed in the museum) was handwritten by President Park Chung-hee himself. In December 1964, during the launching ceremony of Baekgyeongho, First Lady Yuk Young-soo attended the event. In October 1966, when Baekgyeongho successfully completed South Korea's first distant-water fishing trial operation in the North Pacific and returned, a welcome ceremony was held with high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Chung Il-kwon and several ministers, who came to congratulate the success. It was a moment that marked a significant turning point in South Korea's industrial development. Thus, Baekgyeongto was built to honor those young souls who ventured across the world's oceans and lost their lives on the challenging waves while pioneering the sea to open a new chapter in South Korea's history. The inscription on Baekgyeongto contains these words. The plaque was written by Hyangpa Lee Ju-hong, a renowned literary figure who left numerous works and served as a professor at Busan Fisheries University from 1949 to 1971. 『Honorable Spirits,Can you hear the ringing of the bell echoing through the schoolyard?From the Atlantic, from the Indian Ocean,From the North Sea, from the Pacific Ocean,From all the seas of the world,Fighting against the waves, blooming as flowersBrave heroes of the sea,Your noble will,Planted deep in the hearts of successive generations,Today, we stand here,Becoming the pillar of this tower,Watching over the sea.May your journey be peaceful,For we are the sons of the sea.You, brave sailors,Will forever be with us.』 # A New Home for the Tower The current location of the Baekgyeong Tower, at the foot of Baekgyeong Mountain, next to the Academic Information Center and the Pukyong Convention Hall, was established on May 15, 2011. The tower, which had been standing for many years, was redesigned in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Department of Fisheries (now the Department of Marine Production Systems Management), and was reinstalled at its current location with a completion ceremony. The following inscription is engraved on the plaque of the Baekgyeong Tower. "The Baekgyeong Tower, built on May 15, 1971, was established to honor the souls of those who dedicated their youth to the sea, overcoming harsh working conditions and numerous challenges while navigating the vast oceans in pursuit of their nation's dream of maritime development. The tower was erected in the 30th year of the university’s founding, bringing together the aspirations of the fisheries industry, the university’s professors, alumni, and students. They vanished without a trace in the deep blue waves at the ends of the earth, but we will never forget them. Their noble spirit and unwavering will for the sea live on with the country’s progress, and we hope their pioneering spirit and determination to conquer the sea will forever breathe in the hearts of future generations. On May 15, 2011, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Department of Fisheries (now the Department of Marine Production Systems Management), it was relocated and unveiled under the peaceful sun and stars with the efforts of the alumni." The Baekgyeong Tower is a symbol of the challenging and pioneering spirit of our university and its alumni who led the national task of achieving a "fisheries-based nation" during Korea's modernization period.

Pukyong National University Holds Special Lecture by Park Hyung-joon, Mayor of Busan- On the 8th at the Pukyong Convention Hall, with the theme ‘Youth, Meeting the Global Hub City, Busan’Pukyong National University (President: Bae Sang-hoon) hosted a special lecture by Park Hyung-joon, Mayor of Busan, on April 8th at the Pukyong Convention Hall. The lecture, titled “Youth, Meeting the Global Hub City, Busan,” was attended by around 220 students, faculty, and staff. The university organized the event to share Busan’s global hub city strategy and youth policies with its members, aiming to motivate local youth to take an active role on the global stage. Mayor Park Hyung-joon stated, "Our country is facing challenges such as low birth rates, low growth, and widening gaps, exacerbated by the concentration of power in the Seoul metropolitan area. To solve these issues, we need to pursue innovative, balanced development by creating multiple innovation hubs." Mayor Park Hyung-joon also mentioned, "Busan, the world's second-largest transshipment port, is developing innovative infrastructure, such as a new airport and an expanded transportation network. With strengths and potential in new industries like finance, digital, and AI, as well as regional universities nurturing innovative talent, Busan has the capability to become a southern innovation hub and a global hub city." He continued, “Through a virtuous cycle where regional universities nurture talent, local businesses employ them, and the community supports them, we will make Busan a livable city and a global hub city. I hope that Pukyong National University students will become the new engine driving Busan’s future.” After the lecture, Mayor Park Hyung-joon held a Q&A session and took individual commemorative photos with the students.  

Pukyong National University Selected for 'World-Class Humanities Research Institute Development' under Humanities Korea 3.0- Global China Research Institute to Receive 4.8 Billion Won in Funding Over 6 Years to Become a World-Class Humanities Research InstitutePukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has been selected for the Humanities Korea 3.0 (HK3.0) program, a support project by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, aimed at fostering world-class humanities research institutes. The university's Global China Research Institute (Director Lee Bo-go, Professor of division of global and interdisciplinary studies) has been chosen for the research hub-type category of this program and will receive 800 million KRW annually, for a total of 4.8 billion KRW over 6 years. The institute will focus on the agenda "East Asian Youth Studies: Fluid Societies and the Formation of Youth Humanities" to conduct humanities research projects starting this year. The Humanities Korea (HK) support project is a major national initiative launched in 2007 to strengthen university-affiliated research institutes in the humanities, build research foundations, and create world-class research outcomes. The newly established Humanities Korea 3.0 (HK3.0) program continues the research achievements of the previous Humanities Korea (HK/HK+) support project and will continue to support the development of humanities. A total of 10 institutions have been selected this year, including 8 research hub-type institutions such as Pukyong National University and 2 consortium-type institutions. Pukyong National University has been consecutively selected for both the previous Humanities Korea Plus (HK+) and the Humanities Korea 3.0 support programs, earning recognition as a key institution for fostering regional humanities. As a result, the Global China Research Institute at Pukyong National University plans to establish "Youth Studies" as a new academic field to address issues such as population decline, regional extinction, and the youth crisis faced by Busan and East Asian cities. This initiative aims to overcome these challenges and expand the potential of young people in Busan and East Asia into a force that opens a new era. To achieve this, the research institute plans to establish a long-term transnational and interdisciplinary collaborative research system for East Asian Youth Studies and will create and operate a graduate-level joint program related to East Asian Youth Studies. Additionally, to promote regionally integrated and youth-centered humanities, the institute is pushing for the establishment of the Asia Regional Youth Humanities Lab (also known as A-Re-Youth Humanities Lab). Professor Lee Bo-go, Director of the Global China Research Institute, stated, "We will also focus on building an East Asian youth research archive and sharing infrastructure, aiming to establish Busan as a hub for expanding our international humanities research institute with a true East Asian focus." Selected for the World-Class Humanities Research Institute Development Program Pukyong National University Selected for 'World-Class Humanities Research Institute Development' under Humanities Korea 3.0- Global China Research Institute to Receive 4.8 Billion Won in Funding Over 6 Years to Become a World-Class Humanities Research Institute Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has been selected for the Humanities Korea 3.0 (HK3.0) program, a support project by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, aimed at fostering world-class humanities research institutes. The university's Global China Research Institute (Director Lee Bo-go, Professor of division of global and interdisciplinary studies) has been chosen for the research hub-type category of this program and will receive 800 million KRW annually, for a total of 4.8 billion KRW over 6 years. The institute will focus on the agenda "East Asian Youth Studies: Fluid Societies and the Formation of Youth Humanities" to conduct humanities research projects starting this year. The Humanities Korea (HK) support project is a major national initiative launched in 2007 to strengthen university-affiliated research institutes in the humanities, build research foundations, and create world-class research outcomes. The newly established Humanities Korea 3.0 (HK3.0) program continues the research achievements of the previous Humanities Korea (HK/HK+) support project and will continue to support the development of humanities. A total of 10 institutions have been selected this year, including 8 research hub-type institutions such as Pukyong National University and 2 consortium-type institutions. Pukyong National University has been consecutively selected for both the previous Humanities Korea Plus (HK+) and the Humanities Korea 3.0 support programs, earning recognition as a key institution for fostering regional humanities. As a result, the Global China Research Institute at Pukyong National University plans to establish "Youth Studies" as a new academic field to address issues such as population decline, regional extinction, and the youth crisis faced by Busan and East Asian cities. This initiative aims to overcome these challenges and expand the potential of young people in Busan and East Asia into a force that opens a new era. To achieve this, the research institute plans to establish a long-term transnational and interdisciplinary collaborative research system for East Asian Youth Studies and will create and operate a graduate-level joint program related to East Asian Youth Studies. Additionally, to promote regionally integrated and youth-centered humanities, the institute is pushing for the establishment of the Asia Regional Youth Humanities Lab (also known as A-Re-Youth Humanities Lab). Professor Lee Bo-go, Director of the Global China Research Institute, stated, "We will also focus on building an East Asian youth research archive and sharing infrastructure, aiming to establish Busan as a hub for expanding our international humanities research institute with a true East Asian focus."

Pukyong National University, a popular cherry blossom spot in Busan, holds the 'Pink Campus' Cherry Blossom Festival- On March 31 and April 1, at the Lawn Plaza and Baekgyeong Plaza... Various events including club performances and activitiesNational Pukyong University (President Bae Sang-hoon), a well-known cherry blossom destination in Busan held its annual 'Pink Campus' event on March 31 and April 1. National Pukyong university's cherry trees, which line the roads throughout the campus, bloom every year in a magnificent display, earning the university a reputation as 'The Most Beautiful Cherry Blossom Campus' and 'Busan's Cherry Blossom Landmark' on social media. Since 2014, National Pukyong University has been hosting the 'Pink Campus' cherry blossom festival during the bloom season, and this year marks the 12th anniversary of the event. As the cherry blossoms bloom, not only students but also local residents visit the campus, making it a celebrated time for the community. During the festival, National Pukyong University (President Bae Sang-hoon) organized various events led by the student council (President Hwang Dong-hyun) across the campus, including department and office booths around the Grass Plaza and Baekgyeong Plaza, as well as club performances and video screenings. Additionally, photo zones and picnic zones were set up for attendees to enjoy the campus' charm. Several events were held, such as a stamp collection game where attendees could win prizes by visiting various booths, and a special April Fools' Day event where students who wore their school uniforms to campus and posted photos on social media received rewards. In light of the recent forest fires, National Pukyong University held the festival in a calm atmosphere and made efforts to ensure safety by deploying safety monitors made up of students and staff members.