NEW BEGINNING, NEW INSPIRATION
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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
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
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.
대외홍보센터 (2025-07-31)COUNT 22Pukyong 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.”
Pukyong National University Embarks on KRW 10.27 Billion RISE Project？ RISE Project Launch Ceremony Held on the 23rd; Focus on Blue Food Tech and Energy Tech ？Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) held the launching ceremony and project briefing session for its RISE (Regional Innovation Strategy and Education) Initiative on the afternoon of the 23rd at the Pukyong Convention Hall, officially kicking off the project. The event was attended by over 90 participants, including President Bae Sang-hoon, professors specializing in core fields, corporate partners, and project staff. Kim Chan-jung, Director of the RISE Project Management Office, presented detailed objectives and operational plans for each sub-project, followed by a Q&A session. This year, Pukyong National University secured a total budget of KRW 10.27 billion through Busan’s RISE program under the research-centered university category. The university will implement a variety of initiatives aimed at nurturing research talent and strengthening R&D capabilities to lead the region’s future industries. Pukyong National University has organized the RISE Project Group under the leadership of Vice President Ha Myung-shin, head of the initiative, with five divisions and a team of 31 members. The university is set to implement a total of 21 detailed projects. It has designated Blue Food Tech and Energy Tech as its specialized fields, and plans to focus on initiatives such as restructuring graduate curricula in these areas, promoting joint R&D with local companies, attracting international students, and establishing an open-startup university in partnership with other universities in the Nam-gu district. Through these efforts, the university aims to achieve its core goals of talent innovation, industrial innovation, social innovation, and university innovation over the next five years. Specific targets include cultivating 500 research professionals, generating KRW 2 billion in technology transfer revenue, attracting 3,000 international students, and supporting the launch of 300 tenant companies. In particular, Pukyong National University also presented its “PKNU Moonshot Project” plan at the event, a university-led initiative aligned with the RISE Project. The Moonshot Project is one of President Bae Sang-hoon’s key pledges. It aims to foster joint growth between the university and local small but strong enterprises, with the goal of nurturing unicorn companies. The university will invest KRW 900 million of its own budget in five future industry projects, and KRW 230 million in 15 humanities and social sciences projects that address local issues. President Bae Sang-hoon stated, “Despite the recent shifts in higher education policy under the new government, the RISE Project is expected to expand further,” adding, “Pukyong National University will present its own RISE model through our capabilities and passion, and actively contribute to regional innovation.”
Pukyong National University Develops ‘Smart Drug Delivery System’ to Enhance Anticancer Drug Delivery to Tumor Cells-Research team led by Ph.D. candidate Byeong Kook Kim, Professor Kwon Taek Lim, and Professor Sang-Hyug Park-Developed redox-responsive maltopheptaose-based micelles; research published in international journalA research team from Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has developed a “smart drug delivery system” that enhances the efficiency of anticancer drug delivery to tumor cells. The system, titled “redox-responsive crosslinked maltopheptaose-based micelles,” was developed by Ph.D. candidate Byeong Kook Kim (Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering) as the first author, with Professor Kwon Taek Lim (Professor Emeritus) and Professor Sang-Hyug Park (Major of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Smart Healthcare) as corresponding authors. The system was developed to overcome the limitations of low anticancer efficacy caused by the nonspecific delivery of doxorubicin, a potent anticancer drug widely used in the treatment of various cancers but known to cause several side effects. The system developed by the Pukyong National University research team is composed of an A2B-type miktoarm block copolymer based on maltopentaose, a biocompatible oligosaccharide. It incorporates disulfide or diselenide crosslinking within the micelle core, enabling selective drug release only upon reaching cancer cells, while minimizing effects on healthy tissues. Experimental results showed that the system exhibited high drug-loading efficiency, demonstrating biocompatibility with normal cells and strong anticancer effects against cancer cells. Professor Sang-Hyug Park stated, “This study is significant in that it presents a novel method to overcome the early leakage of drugs into the bloodstream―a major issue in conventional drug delivery systems, which often leads to various side effects. The system holds promise for applications in precision anticancer drug delivery and reduced-side-effect nanomedicine platforms, garnering considerable interest from both academia and industry.” The findings of this study were recently published in the prestigious international journal
PKNU Preliminary Startup Team Selected for National Marine and Fisheries Startup Program- Team ‘Neurim’ selected in nationwide competition with functional feed for ornamental fish- Embarks on marine bio entrepreneurship with Busan University Consortium HoldingsThe preliminary startup team Neurim from the Department of Aquaculture and Applied Life Science at Pukyong National University (advisor: Professor Lee Seung-hyung) has been officially selected as a startup candidate in the 2025 Marine and Fisheries Startup Accelerator Program organized by the Busan University Consortium Holdings, earning recognition as a promising startup team in the marine and fisheries sector. This program is a startup discovery and incubation initiative focused on innovation in both emerging and traditional marine and fisheries industries. It is overseen by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion (KIMST), and operated by the Busan University Consortium Holdings. The ‘Neurim’ team consists of Jeon Hyun-chul, a Ph.D. candidate in Fisheries Biology; Park Sang-min, Moon Jun-hyeok, and Jeong Jin-woo from the Department of Aquaculture and Applied Life Science; Kim Do-hyeok from the Department of Marine Life Sciences; and alumna Jo Eun-chae. Together, they have developed a customized functional feed called ‘NEURIM’ designed specifically for aquatic turtles and ornamental fish. The Neurim team has steadily built a foundation for commercialization by developing a feed formula based on domestic ingredients, producing the first and second prototypes, and establishing a premium blend ratio. Their goal is to complete ingredient registration for semi-aquatic turtle-specific feed and officially launch sales by the end of this year. After passing both document screening and presentation evaluation, the team was officially selected as part of the 2025 Marine and Fisheries Startup Accelerator Program. They received 6 million KRW in seed funding and are now receiving full-scale business support. On June 12, they participated in the 2025 Marine and Fisheries Startup Briefing Session hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion, marking the start of their official activities. Following the initial funding, the team will receive comprehensive startup support, including entrepreneurship education (from basic to advanced business management), one-on-one mentoring from experts in legal affairs, patents, finance, and labor, as well as intensive IR pitching training, demo days, and connections to TIPS, government funding programs, and potential investors. Up to 15 million KRW in commercialization funds and over 300 million KRW in direct investment opportunities will also be provided. Additionally, Busan University Consortium Technology Holdings Co., Ltd. will support the team’s market entry and performance expansion through marine-specialized programs such as the B-Wave Open Table technical consultation event, B-Next Wave investment networking, and Blue Wave PR, a promotional campaign focused on startups. With this selection, ‘Neurim’ is expected to grow beyond simply commercializing academic research into a startup that contributes to the structural improvement and high-value transformation of the aquaculture feed industry.
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 18Pukyong 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 vision―it’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 night―much 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 National University and Busan Nambu Fire Station Conduct Large-Scale Joint Fire Drill？ Comprehensive Emergency Response Drill for 2025 Disaster Preparedness Held at PKNU Main Administration Building on the 16thPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) and the Busan Nambu Fire Station (Chief Kim Jeong-sik) conducted a large-scale joint fire drill on June 16 as part of the “2025 Comprehensive Emergency Response Drill for Disaster Preparedness.” Held at the university’s main administration building, the drill mobilized over 30 emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, and ladder trucks. The exercise aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and establish an effective response system for swift and systematic action in the event of a fire. In the first stage of the drill, Pukyong National University’s internal firefighting team responded to the incident by reporting the fire, initiating evacuation procedures, and carrying out an initial fire suppression effort. In the second stage, the Busan Nam-gu Fire Department’s first-response team arrived on-site to extinguish the fire, carry out rescues, operate a temporary emergency medical station, and coordinate field response operations. In the third stage, special vehicles were deployed for high-rise rescues and a control center was activated to respond to a simulated unidentified gas leak. The fourth stage involved search-and-rescue operations simulating a firefighter being trapped, along with secondary fire suppression. Finally, in the fifth stage, recovery and clean-up operations were conducted, followed by a comprehensive review to conclude the drill. Notably, students from Pukyong National University’s Department of Fire Protection Engineering―established 20 years ago and the first of its kind among national universities―participated in the exercise by supporting the evacuation drill.
Rowing Powerhouse PKNU Wins 4 Gold, 2 Silver, and 5 Bronze at the 51st Jang Bogo Cup― First Place in Men’s University Coxless PairThe rowing team of Pukyong National University’s Institute for Sports Promotion (Director Shin Jong-dae) delivered a strong performance at the 51st Jang Bogo Cup National Rowing Championships, held from May 31 to June 8 at the West Nakdong River Rowing Center in Busan. The team earned a total of 11 medals: 4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze. Pukyong National University’s rowing team (coached by Lee Jun-cheol) secured a gold medal in the men’s university coxless pair, with the team of Kim Yeong-jun and Seo Jeong-hwan taking first place in Division 1 of the competition. Additionally, the pair of Choe Geun-ho and Lee Jae-uk won bronze in the men’s university double sculls, while Kim Yeong-jun, Seo Jeong-hwan, Choi Geun-ho, and Lee Jae-uk teamed up to claim another bronze in the men’s university quadruple sculls. In the Division 2 events, the team of Kim Yeong-jun, Choi Geun-ho, Seo Yu-jin, Kang Na-yeong, and Je Hee-jin took first place in the mixed university coxed four (4+), while the women’s coxed four team―Seo Yu-jin, Kang Na-yeong, Oh Hyeon-seong, Noh Yu-ni, and Je Hee-jin―earned a bronze medal by finishing third. At the indoor rowing competition, Kim Sang-won, Choi Geun-ho, and Kim Yeong-jun swept the podium in the men’s university division by winning first, second, and third place, respectively. Kang Na-yeong also earned a bronze medal by placing third in the women’s university division. In the indoor rowing men’s university team event, the team of Kim Sang-won, Jeon Jae-hyeok, Kim Ji-ho, and Son Seong-min secured first place, while the team of Kim Yeong-jun, Choi Geun-ho, Seo Jeong-hwan, and Lee Jae-uk finished second. Pukyong National University’s rowing team is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier programs. At last year’s Jang Bogo Cup, the team finished as the overall runner-up in Division 1. To date, PKNU has claimed the overall championship title at this prestigious national competition an impressive 16 times.