Pukyong National University

PKNU Hosts 2025 PKNU International Summer Session (PKNU-ISS) with 97 Students from 9 Countries？ Foreign students to explore Korean culture through K-POP dance, cooking, and global academic courses over four weeksPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) officially kicked off the 2025 Pukyong National University International Summer Session (PKNU-ISS) on July 21, welcoming a total of 126 participants―including 97 international students from 23 partner universities across nine countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, China, and Japan, as well as 29 PKNU students. The program is divided into a four-week session (July 21？August 14) and a two-week session (August 2？August 14), tailored to accommodate the academic schedules and availability of the participating students and institutions. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, PKNU is providing customized support services such as airport pickup from Gimhae International Airport, dormitory accommodation with Korean buddy students, and daily life assistance programs. Following the opening ceremony on July 21, students participated in introductory classes such as “K-POP Basic Dance” and “Basic Taekwondo” on July 22 at the Nuri Hall Dance Studio. Through demonstrations led by professional instructors, international students had the opportunity to learn foundational movements and engage in hands-on cultural experiences. Throughout the program, international participants live in dormitories alongside PKNU students, taking part in a wide range of cultural activities including Korean cooking, pottery making, calligraphy, museum visits, and marine leisure sports. In addition to cultural immersion, students also earn academic credit by attending special courses such as Global Cultures, Understanding Korean Culture, and Introduction to International Relations. Launched in 2009, PKNU-ISS has become one of PKNU’s flagship international exchange programs, attracting 100 to 200 students annually. It offers international students a valuable opportunity to experience the Korean language and culture, while providing Korean students with the chance to enhance their global competencies through meaningful exchange with peers from around the world. Grace Beatrice Salway, a student from Bangor University in the United Kingdom and a participant in this year’s program, shared her excitement:“I was especially looking forward to experiencing the culture of Busan, a city known for its ports and the ocean. I’m thrilled to be part of this program. It’s great that experts are guiding us through so many different experiences, and I’m really excited to try fun activities like wearing hanbok.” As of April 2025, PKNU is recognized as a globally engaged university, with 1,648 international students from 63 countries currently enrolled across its undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, integrated, exchange, research, and dual degree programs.

Pukyong National University Discusses Strategy for ‘Maritime Capital Busan’ in Line with Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Relocation- “Future Prospects of Maritime Capital Busan” Forum Held on July 21 … Keynote Speech by Former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Young-choon- Invited Lectures on Arctic Routes, Port Logistics, and Blue Food FollowedAs the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan gains momentum, universities, local governments, industries, and research institutes gathered to envision the future and seek growth strategies for the city as a maritime capital. Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) held the “Future Prospects of Maritime Capital Busan” Forum on the morning of July 21 at the Pukyong Convention Hall. The forum was themed “Strategies and Vision for Global Maritime Capital Busan.” Key leaders in the marine and fisheries sectors attended the event, including President Bae Sang-hoon of Pukyong National University, Director Choi Yong-seok of the National Institute of Fisheries Science, Chairman Kim Jong-deok of the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency, President Seo Jong-goon of Busan Technopark Investment Foundation, President Kim Min-jong of the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology, President Bae Jeong-chul of the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering, CEO Jeong Yeon-song of Busan Cooperative Fish Market, and Director Lee Hyung-kyun of the Korea Overseas Fisheries Association’s Busan branch. Former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Young-choon delivered the keynote speech titled “Busan as a Maritime Capital: Conditions and Strategies.” His lecture was followed by nine invited talks on key topics such as the Arctic shipping route, port logistics, and blue food. In his keynote address, former Minister Kim Young-choon stated, “Busan has the geopolitical conditions to serve as a gateway for Korea’s development. With the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the opening of the Arctic route, the city will gain momentum to attract talent and businesses.“ He emphasized, “Local and central governments, industries, and universities must all join forces to not only establish Busan as Korea’s maritime capital, but also elevate it into a global maritime hub of East Asia that drives national growth.” The afternoon session featured invited talks held on the first floor of the Dongwon Jang Bogo Hall, including: △“Busan Port’s Readiness for the Arctic Shipping Route” by Kim Eun-woo (Head of Port Industry Research, Korea Maritime Institute) △“AI-based Port Logistics Service Strategy” by Yang Hyun-seok (Research Fellow, Korea Port Economic Association) △“Sector Coupling Technology Based on Ocean Energy” by Jung Nam-jo (Director, SCI Convergence Research Group, Korea Institute of Energy Research) △“Korean-style Smart Cruise” by Yoo Da-jong (Director, PanStar Group) △“Strategies for Developing Busan into a Global Logistics Hub” by Professor Ahn Tae-geon (Pukyong National University). Here is the continuation of the translation, formatted to match your previous request: Following that, the following lectures were held: △ Training Future Global Leaders in Blue Food (Professor Kim Young-mok, Pukyong National University) △ Trends in Eco-Friendly Engine Technologies for Ship Decarbonization (Cha Sang-bae, Division Head, Everllence Korea Ltd.) △ New Challenges and Opportunities in Ocean Development: Deep-Sea Mineral Resources (Dr. Kim Jong-wook, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology) △ Status of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ PNT Initiatives (Jeon Gi-jun, Deputy Director, Incheon Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries). President Bae Sang-hoon stated, “Through this forum, I expect that various stakeholders―including universities, industries, research institutions, and local governments―will come together to discuss strategies for building a sustainable, Busan-style innovation ecosystem, and that this will serve as a driving force for Busan’s leap forward as a global maritime hub leading the future of ocean nations.”  

Pukyong National University Busan Green Environment Center, Leads Green Transformation of Local Industries- Achievements in eco-friendly technology support such as odor reduction assistance in early 2025Pukyong National University’s Busan Green Environment Center (Director: Lee Tae-yoon) is drawing attention for its achievements in driving green transformation at industrial sites in Busan through customized, on-site technical support. In the first half of 2025, the center actively supported local companies in reducing environmental pollutants and transitioning to eco-friendly processes through its “Customized On-site Consulting Project” and the “IoT Monitoring Device Installation Support Project for Small-scale Businesses.” The Customized On-site Consulting Project provides tailored consulting services to help companies in Busan effectively reduce environmental pollutants and operate their pollution control facilities in a stable and efficient manner. The core of the project lies in providing preemptive, pollution-prevention-oriented technical support, including: △ Proposing management plans for air and water pollutants generated during production processes △ Providing guidance on proper operating conditions and maintenance of emission and pollution control facilities △ Reviewing licensing and permitting documents. As of the first half of this year, the Center completed eight technical support cases for five companies, with six of them focused on odor reduction. By offering company-specific solutions, the Center has successfully driven tangible environmental improvements. In addition, through the IoT Monitoring Device Support Project for Small-scale Businesses, the Center provided up to 90% of installation costs for IoT monitoring equipment to 4th and 5th grade air pollutant-emitting facilities. Comprehensive support was offered throughout the entire process, from document review and on-site inspections to final approval. As of the first half of 2025, the Center has completed 424 technical support cases for 412 business sites. Lee Tae-yoon, Director of the Busan Green Environment Center, stated, “We will contribute to creating a sustainable industrial environment through practical, field-oriented technical support.” Meanwhile, the Busan Green Environment Center, designated by the Ministry of Environment and operated by Pukyong National University as the lead institution, functions as a consortium of academia, industry, government, civil society, and research institutes. The center is working in collaboration with Busan City and its districts to establish an IoT-based air pollution monitoring system and enhance the environmental management capabilities of small-scale businesses.

Pukyong National University, Busan Technopark, and BISTEP Launch ‘UNITECH Wave Project’ to Jointly Foster Busan’s Future Industries- ‘UNITECH Wave Project’ Campus Policy Meetup Held at PKNU Convention Hall on the 11th- Projects to Focus on Surfing Zones, Marine Logistics Monitoring, Environmental Disaster Early Warning, and Eco-Friendly Power MachineryPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon), Busan Technopark (President Kim Hyung-kyun), and the Busan Institute of Science and Technology Promotion (BISTEP, President Kim Young-boo) held a “UNITECH Wave Project” campus policy meetup at the PKNU Convention Hall on July 11 at 10 a.m. President Bae Sang-hoon, along with President Kim Hyung-kyun and President Kim Young-boo, gathered with key personnel from each institution’s R&D and university-industry cooperation departments to officially launch the project and discuss its direction. The “UNITECH Wave Project” is a joint collaboration model designed to identify outstanding university technologies, co-develop R&D projects, and secure government and municipal research funding based on these efforts. The initiative aims to expand results through the collective efforts of these three leading institutions in Busan’s academia-industry-government-research ecosystem, fostering future industries and building a sustainable regional innovation and industrial environment. To this end, Pukyong National University, led by its Office of Industry-Academic Cooperation, is responsible for identifying and developing potential R&D planning projects. Busan Technopark will focus on technology matching and discovering corporate partners for each project, while BISTEP will support project consulting and expert recruitment. Since April, Pukyong National University has identified a total of 18 planning projects in the fields of marine and fisheries as well as advanced industries, and has successfully matched 10 of them with Busan Technopark. Selected cases were presented at the event. The matched projects include: “Research on Revitalizing the Busan Surfing Zone Using Artificial Structures”, aimed at preventing coastal erosion and marine disasters while developing a complex leisure town; “AI-Based Early Warning Monitoring System for Maritime Logistics”, to address global maritime logistics issues; “Smart Bioreaction Sensor-Based Environmental Disaster Early Warning System for the Busan Region”, a demonstration project for environmental hazard prevention; and “Technology-Based Project for Enhancing the Reliability of Eco-Friendly Power Machinery Components and Materials”, which aims to advance power machinery components. President Bae Sang-hoon stated, “Through this collaborative model for building a sustainable regional innovation ecosystem, we expect to generate tangible outcomes that contribute to both future industries and the local community.”  

Pukyong National University and Hanyang University ‘Draw Attention’ with Counterintuitive Research: Improving Image Generation Performance Using Noise- Development of Heterojunction-Based Probabilistic Control Transistor Device Published in A research team led by Professor Lee Eun-kwang from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Pukyong National University and Professor Yoo Ho-chun from the Department of Convergence Electronic Engineering at Hanyang University has developed a heterojunction-based probabilistic control transistor device. Their work introduces a novel principle in which amplifying noise actually improves image generation accuracy. The joint research team implemented a polymer-based heterojunction structure to realize a spontaneously formed negative transconductance (NTC) characteristic resulting from hole？electron injection imbalance. They also demonstrated for the first time that internal noise induces probabilistic doping and de-doping processes―an essential mechanism for enhancing image generation accuracy. This research is drawing attention as a counterintuitive approach emerging at a time when novel device studies that can efficiently implement stochasticity and nonlinearity at the hardware level are increasingly valued, especially with the rise of distributed computing paradigms like edge computing and the advancement of generative AI. Much like synapses in the human brain, probabilistic transistors with inherent unpredictability are seen as promising next-generation devices capable of combining energy efficiency with functional diversity. However, traditional approaches to probabilistic devices typically focus on suppressing or avoiding noise, while devices that actively leverage noise in a controlled manner remain rare. This study is particularly significant for driving a paradigm shift in which noise, traditionally considered an unwanted physical phenomenon, is repurposed as a valuable computational resource. If integrated into next-generation generative AI systems, edge devices, and neuromorphic sensors, this technology is expected to enable low-power, highly efficient computing architectures. Professor Lee Eun-kwang commented, “This research is a creative approach that simultaneously leverages the structural advantages of organic semiconductors and their nonlinear stochastic behavior, and it is expected to greatly accelerate the commercialization of noise-control-based hardware AI systems.” This research is being hailed as a groundbreaking breakthrough for next-generation nonlinear computing devices and generative AI hardware. The team’s findings were recently published in Advanced Materials (IF: 26.8, JCR Top 2.2%), a leading international journal in materials science and applied electronics, under the title ‘Heterojunction-driven stochasticity: BHJ noise-enhanced negative transconductance transistor in image generation.’ The study was supported by the Individual Basic Science and Engineering Research Program funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea, as well as the AI Semiconductor Core Talent Development Program (IITP) run by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology.

Pukyong National University Selected for BISTEP’s ‘External Cooperation R&D Planning Support Program’- RISE Project Group to Launch Digital Manufacturing Specialist Training Initiative Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) announced that it has been selected for the External Cooperation R&D Planning Support Program hosted by the Busan Institute of Science and Technology for Education and Promotion (BISTEP) and will begin full-scale implementation. Led by the university’s RISE (Regional Innovation Strategy and Education) Project Group, the initiative will focus on planning a program to cultivate specialized talent in digital manufacturing systems integration (SI). BISTEP’s External Cooperation R&D Planning Support Program aims to help universities, research institutes, and industries in the Busan region identify and design medium- and large-scale R&D projects. It provides support for preparing planning reports and national grant applications to secure government funding for these initiatives. Pukyong National University plans to use this project to secure a large-scale national R&D grant worth approximately 16.3 billion KRW. To achieve this, the university will form an academic？research？industry consortium with partners including Kyungsung University, Busan Technopark, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), and the Korea Auto Parts & Materials Industry Technology Research Association, with the goal of completing the project proposal by the end of this year. Through this initiative, Pukyong National University aims to attract major national R&D funding and to launch full-scale training of specialists in digital manufacturing, leveraging the RISE Project’s Open UIC (University？Industry Collaboration) platform. The project report will include detailed plans for advancing the manufacturing SI industry through AI and blockchain technologies, and for systematically cultivating practical talent for digital transformation. Specifically, the plan includes establishing a structured system to train over 400 specialized professionals over five years through △micro-degree-based interdisciplinary programs for undergraduates, △weekend-intensive practical training courses for industry employees, and △capstone and project-based training in collaboration with industry sites. The university also intends to leverage advanced infrastructure such as its Smart Factory Lab and IoT Integrated Training Room to strengthen demand-driven education in areas like blockchain-based certification technologies, AI-powered quality control, and predictive maintenance. The program will further connect these skills with real-world industrial applications through on-site internships and technology demonstration projects, building a highly advanced talent development system. Kim Chan-jung, Head of the PKNU RISE Project Group, stated, “This project serves as a practical model of the Open UIC strategy promoted by the PKNU RISE Project and will play a decisive role in producing innovative talent in the EnergyTech field. We expect it to generate tangible results for the RISE Project by producing highly trained professionals who will lead digital manufacturing innovation.”

Pukyong National University·Hanyang University Research Team Develops World-First Technology for Separation and Reuse of Next-Generation Organic Electronic Devices- Development of ‘π-Ion Film’ and Elucidation of Modular Synaptic Electronic Device Principles- Published in international journal  A joint research team from Pukyong National University and Hanyang University has announced the world’s first successful development of a technology enabling the separation and reuse of organic electronic devices, which are essential components in various electronic systems. The team includes Woo Gyu-won (senior) and Lee Chang-min (junior), undergraduate students in Pukyong National University’s Department of Chemical Engineering; Research Professor Kim Yong-hee; Professor Lee Eun-kwang; and Professor Yoo Ho-chun from Hanyang University. Together, they developed a next-generation regenerative component in the field of organic electronics called the π-ion film and elucidated the operating principles of a modular synaptic electronic device and a low-power neuromorphic computing platform based on this technology. With the recent advances in AI-powered edge computing (Edge AI) and flexible electronics technology, there has been a surge of interest in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) that offer low-power operation and biocompatibility. However, conventional OECTs suffer from limited lifespans and cannot be reused due to irreversible degradation of the organic semiconductor layer, leading to increased e-waste and higher costs. To address these challenges, the research team proposed an OECT incorporating the π-ion film. They developed an enhanced π-ion film based on the organic semiconductor P3HT and the ionic liquid BMIM:TFSI, engineered it into a detachable form, and successfully achieved both electrochemical stability and neuromorphic functionality. Notably, the team demonstrated a large-area array comprising 64 devices using the π-ion film, suggesting its potential scalability for applications such as biosensors, wearable medical devices, and AI edge devices. The results of this study are seen as opening a new chapter in electronic device technology by overcoming the limitations of conventional single-use organic devices and demonstrating the feasibility of modular electronic components whose overall functionality can be maintained simply by replacing individual parts. In particular, the technology is expected to serve as a critical foundation for reducing electronic waste and enabling the sustainable manufacture of electronic devices. Professor Lee Eun-kwang stated, “This research represents the first case to simultaneously achieve sustainability and modularity in neuromorphic electronic devices, and it is expected to make significant contributions to future industrial applications.” The findings of this research were recently published in Advanced Materials (IF: 29.4), one of the world’s leading journals in materials science, under the title “Detachable and Reusable: Reinforced π-Ion Film for Modular Synaptic Reservoir Computing.” This study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) and the Pukyong National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation. It was also carried out as part of the AI Semiconductor Specialist Training Program (IITP) and the Technology Innovation Program funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).

Professor Lim Hae-gyun of Pukyong National University Secures Consecutive Major National Biohealth Projects- Developing Advanced AI Ultrasound Medical Devices; KRW 11.8 Billion, 5-Year Joint Research InitiativeProfessor Lim Hae-gyun’s team in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Pukyong National University has been selected for both the first and second rounds of new projects under the 2025 Bioindustry Technology Development Program, overseen by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT). This achievement highlights the team’s recognized leadership in Korea’s digital healthcare research sector. For the first-round project, Professor Lim will lead to the development of a patch-type wireless ultrasound device for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of hemodynamic indicators. The goal of the first project is to enable real-time analysis of cardiovascular conditions using an ultrasound patch-type digital medical device, allowing for early detection of abnormal signs and effective management of patient prognosis. It is especially expected to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients with severe cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. The project will receive approximately 5.5 billion KRW in research funding over five years. In addition, Professor Lim’s team will also carry out the second-round project titled “Development of an AI Imaging-Based Multi-Stimulus Laser and Ultrasound Therapy Device for the Management and Alleviation of Lymphedema.” This project aims to overcome the limitations of single-wavelength treatments and develop a customized, integrated therapeutic device. It is supported with around 6.3 billion KRW in research funding over five years. These projects will be carried out through collaborative research involving Pukyong National University and a range of industry, academic, and clinical partners with strong R&D capabilities. Participating institutions include The Biomed Co., Ltd., S-One Bio Co., Ltd., Mediguard Co., Ltd., Panoptics Co., Ltd., KAIST, Hanyang University, Kwangwoon University, Asan Medical Center in Seoul, Pusan National University Hospital, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Co？principal investigator Professor Lim Hae-gyun will lead the development of core technologies for each project, drawing on his extensive research experience in ultrasound sensing and therapy technologies, as well as AI-based biosignal analysis. In particular, the integration of ultrasound and laser therapies with AI-powered monitoring systems is expected to significantly enhance practical applicability in clinical settings. Professor Lim stated, “Through these two projects, I will dedicate my efforts to securing practical and competitive technological capabilities in the fields of digital healthcare and ultrasound convergence technologies. I also aim to contribute to the technological independence of Korea’s medical device industry and its advancement into the global market.”

Pukyong National University Professors Oh Jung-Hwan, Byeongil Lee, and Sudip Mondal’s Research Team Selected for Front Cover Article in International Academic Journal- Hydrogel-Based Smart Materials for Wound Healing and Sensing “Aggregate”Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) announced that research conducted by Professor Oh Jung-Hwan (Department of Biomedical Engineering), Professor Byeongil Lee, and Professor Sudip Mondal (Digital Healthcare Research Center) has been selected as the front cover article of the international academic journal Aggregate (Impact Factor: 13.7), published by Wiley. The research team recently published a review article titled “Hydrogel-Based Smart Materials for Wound Healing and Sensing” in Aggregate, a globally recognized journal ranked in the top 8.6% in the fields of chemistry and multidisciplinary sciences. The published article explores recent advancements in hydrogel-based materials for wound healing and real-time monitoring. It highlights innovations in flexible, biocompatible hydrogels that mimic the extracellular matrix while addressing challenges related to stability, toxicity, and integration with smart monitoring systems. Hydrogels are particularly promising in modern wound care due to their high-water content, flexibility, and excellent biocompatibility. The research team demonstrates the role of hydrogel-based flexible materials in advancing biomedical applications, including wound healing, point-of-care diagnostics, smart patches, and wearable devices The team’s accomplishments were made possible by the contributions of all co-authors, with special recognition to graduate students Ms. Thi Kim Ngan Duong and Mr. Truong Tien Vo, as well as through international collaboration with Professor Umapada Pal from Benem？rita Universidad Aut？noma de Puebla, Mexico. Professor Sudip Mondal stated that by combining biocompatible materials with smart sensing technologies, the research is paving the way for next-generation wound dressings that are adaptive, responsive, and clinically impactful. Professor Byeongil Lee expressed that the work highlights the transformative potential of multifunctional hydrogels in advancing wound care toward future medicine and personalized treatment. Professor Junghwan Oh mentioned that this collaboration represents a significant leap forward in the development of intelligent hydrogel-based materials that integrate real-time monitoring for smart healthcare applications. Meanwhile, the study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) and the 2024 Global Joint Research Program of Pukyong National University.

Pukyong National University Holds Departure Ceremony for 69th 2025 Ocean-Going Training Voyage- 32-Day Voyage Aboard Advanced Training Ship Baekgyeongho Departing from Yongho Bay Pier on the 27thPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) held the departure ceremony for its 69th 2025 academic year ocean-going training voyage on June 27 at the Yongho Bay Pier in Busan. A total of around 100 participants―including 74 students from the Department of Marine Production System Management, Department of Fisheries and Ocean Industry Education, and Mechanical Systems Engineering major, along with 30 crew members―boarded the advanced training vessel Baekgyeongho (Captain Kim Su-hyung, 3,997 tons) to embark on a 32-day ocean training voyage. Until July 28, PKNU students will conduct practical training in waters including Korea’s East Sea and South Sea, as well as around Japan, learning navigation, fishing operations, electronic communications, marine engine operation, and automated control systems―components of an STCW-compliant curriculum for deck and engine officers. The itinerary also includes port calls such as Hakata in Japan, where students will visit overseas universities and institutions for exchange activities. Pukyong National University began Korea’s first ocean-going training voyage program in 1957, and this year marks its 69th iteration. The program is widely recognized as a training ground for talent to lead Korea’s advanced marine and fisheries industries, having produced prominent alumni such as Kim Jae-chul, Honorary Chairman of the Dongwon Group. At the departure ceremony, President Bae Sang-hoon remarked, “Now in its 69th year, our university’s ocean-going training program has produced countless professionals in the fisheries and marine sectors, making significant contributions to national economic development and local communities.” He added, “I hope that while abroad, you will embrace your role as informal ambassadors for Korea, always maintain a spirit of inquiry and learning, and help enhance our nation’s reputation.”