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What does it take to build a “Seoul National University of Busan”?
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What does it take to build a “Seoul National University of Busan”?
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Pukyong National University Initiates Public Discussion on Becoming the ‘SNU of Busan’

- Special Lecture by Professor Kim Jong-young, “Creating Ten Seoul National Universities,” Held on June 18


Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has joined the public discourse on one of the current hot topics in higher education“Creating Ten Seoul National Universities.”

 

The university hosted a special lecture on June 18 at the PKNU Convention Hall, inviting Professor Kim Jong-young of Kyung Hee University, who proposed the policy initiative adopted as a presidential pledge by President Lee Jae-myung.

 

The event was part of the 2025 PKNU Education Innovation Forum organized by PKNU’s Office of Education Innovation. It aimed to build internal and external consensus for the innovation of local universities in Busan and explore actionable strategies that can be applied at the university level.

 

In his lecture, Professor Kim Jong-young offered an in-depth analysis of the imbalance in higher education, particularly the concentration of universities in the Seoul metropolitan area and the hierarchical structure of universities, which has led to the decline of regional institutions. As a solution, he proposed the idea of ‘Creating Ten Seoul National Universities,’ envisioning the establishment of research-centered universities equivalent to Seoul National University across major regions nationwide to promote balanced regional development and academic diversity.

 

Professor Kim specifically highlighted Pukyong National University as a model for regional university innovation. He noted that PKNU ranks highest among universities in the Busan area in terms of research funding per full-time faculty member (as of August 2024, based on public data from University Information Disclosure), demonstrating its strong research competitiveness.

 

Professor Kim emphasized the potential of Pukyong National University as a research-centered university, noting that establishing a university integration network equivalent to flagship national universities could help prevent the outflow of talent from the Busan region. He also highlighted PKNU’s capacity to lead a globally competitive university network centered in the southeastern region.

 

“Creating ten Seoul National Universities is a national strategy,” Professor Kim said. “A region can only thrive when it has a world-class university. To revitalize a region, a globally competitive university must be located there. Building such a university requires funding, authority, and visionit’s an issue that demands political will. If Busan is to thrive, its citizens must call on the government to establish a world-class university in the city.”

 

He went on to say, “I propose integrating Pukyong National University and Pusan National University to create a ‘Seoul National University of Busan.’ PKNU is in an excellent location. Its campus, adjacent to Gwangalli Beach, is the perfect place for students to study during the day and enjoy social life at nightmuch like Hongdae in Seoul.”

 

PKNU plans to continue its efforts to innovate and enhance the competitiveness of local universities through initiatives like this special lecture, as well as by expanding its cooperation network with local industries, academia, and research institutions.

 

President Bae Sang-hoon of PKNU stated, “Through this event, we aim to establish future strategies for PKNU to emerge as the hub of higher education innovation in the southeastern region. We hope it will serve as a starting point to open a new future for regional universities, building on our strengths and potential.” <Pukyong Today>