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“Measuring the Tendency to Start Tasks Early Rather Than Procrastinate―Scientifically”― Pukyong National University Research Team Develops the Proactive Initiation Scale; Study Accepted for Publication in an SSCI-Indexed International Journal Unlike procrastination―the tendency to delay tasks―a scale has been developed to measure precrastination among Chinese university students. Precrastination refers to the tendency to begin or complete tasks or subgoals as early as possible, even when doing so requires additional effort or cost. A research team comprising doctoral student Peng Zhang of the Department of Educational Consulting at the Graduate School of Pukyong National University, Research Professor Soon-An Hyun of the Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education Research Institute, and Professor Gyun Heo verified the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Precrastination Scale (PS-C) in their paper, “Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Precrastination Scale.” The paper has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, an SSCI-indexed international journal published by SAGE, and is currently undergoing the final publication process. The journal specializes in psychological and educational assessment, as well as the development and validation of measurement instruments. The researchers developed the Chinese version of the Precrastination Scale (PS-C) to measure the tendency to begin tasks early rather than delay them and verified its psychometric reliability and validity. To do so, they conducted item analysis and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using data from 648 university students in Beijing, Shanxi Province, and Guizhou Province, China. Of these participants, 277 completed the same assessment again four weeks later. The analysis showed that the newly developed scale demonstrated high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The researchers also confirmed a single-factor structure that measures precrastination as a single trait, as well as gender measurement invariance, indicating that the scale can be applied using the same criteria to both male and female students. In addition, students with higher levels of precrastination tended to procrastinate less, consider future consequences more carefully, and regulate their behavior more effectively, supporting the scale’s criterion-related validity. The researchers noted, however, that beginning tasks as early as possible is not always the most efficient approach. Students with a strong tendency toward precrastination may therefore benefit from training in prioritizing more important tasks, while those with a weaker tendency may require support in time management and behavioral implementation to help them begin assignments on time. Professor Gyun Heo said, “This study is meaningful in that it has established a highly reliable and valid psychometric instrument for measuring precrastination among Chinese-speaking university students.” He added, “Its publication in an SSCI-indexed international journal also demonstrates the potential for the international expansion of education-based research on psychometric instrument development.” Meanwhile, doctoral student Peng Zhang, a member of the research team, has been devoted to his research since coming to Pukyong National University from China through the Global PKNU Graduate Degree Program for Overseas University Faculty and Staff. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Educational Consulting at the Graduate School of Pukyong National University while also serving as a researcher at L-liang University in China, where he continues to study adolescent emotional processing, educational psychology, and psychometrics. Supported by the 2025 PhiNX Graduate Student Research Scholarship Program for Protected Academic Disciplines, Zhang published a first-author paper in the KCI-indexed . To date, he has published three papers in KCI-indexed journals. In June, he also achieved publication as the first author of an SSCI-indexed international journal article on cognitive bias in shy adolescents. Research Professor Soon-An Hyun earned a Ph.D. in Education from the Department of Educational Consulting at the Graduate School of Pukyong National University. She was subsequently selected as a 2026 Humanities and Social Sciences Academic Research Professor by the National Research Foundation of Korea and is currently conducting research as an academic research professor at Pukyong National University’s Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education Research Institute, headed by Professor Hyo-Heon Won, with five years of research support. She also works to strengthen students’ capabilities by teaching related courses in the undergraduate Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education and the graduate Department of Educational Consulting. Having previously served as an academic research professor at institutions including Tongmyong University and Sunchon National University, she has devoted herself to research in educational technology, AI education, educational assessment, adolescent cognition and emotion, and psychometrics. In this study, Soon-An Hyun contributed to the interpretation of the data and enhanced the paper’s theoretical and methodological rigor. She has recently produced numerous research outcomes in Korea and abroad, including the publication of two papers in SCIE- and SSCI-indexed journals this year alone. Professor Gyun Heo, who supervised the study, has conducted research primarily in the fields of educational technology, AI-based education, big data analytics, and advanced quantitative research methodology. He has also mentored graduate students and early-career researchers in publishing their work in both international and domestic academic journals. This achievement is regarded as a demonstration of the global research competitiveness of Pukyong National University, reflecting the international expansion of the expertise in educational psychology and psychometrics cultivated by the undergraduate Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education, headed by Professor Tae-Ho Lee, and the graduate Department of Educational Consulting and Department of Fisheries and Marine Human Resources Development.
대외홍보센터 (2026-08-03)COUNT 36Pukyong National University Joins Six National Universities to Launch the Fisheries and Marine U-Belt Council, a Nationwide Supra-Regional Alliance― Pukyong National University, Kangwon National University (Gangneung), Kunsan National University, Mokpo National University, Chonnam National University (Yeosu), and Jeju National University Join the Initiative― Council Launched in Busan to Identify Shared Agendas Connecting Korea’s Seas and Collaborate on Government-Funded ProjectsPukyong National University, led by President Sang-Hoon Bae, held the Launch Ceremony and First Working-Level Meeting of the Fisheries and Marine U-Belt Council at Homers Hotel in Busan over two days, July 23 and 24. Around 40 officials involved in the Regional Growth Talent Development System (Anchor) Project attended the event. They represented six national universities specializing in fisheries and marine sciences across Korea: Pukyong National University, Kangwon National University (Gangneung), Kunsan National University, Mokpo National University, Chonnam National University (Yeosu), and Jeju National University. Participants held working-level discussions to identify shared agendas and establish a framework for cooperation. The six universities formed the council following the Mutual Cooperation Agreement for Establishing a Supra-Regional Governance Framework Specialized in Fisheries and Marine Affairs, signed on May 13. The participating universities agreed to jointly address fisheries and marine issues that are difficult for any single university or individual sea area to tackle alone, including rising sea temperatures and subtropicalization, the decline of fishing communities, and the expansion of offshore wind power. They also discussed six proposed collaborative projects submitted by the respective universities. Among them, the proposal to establish a coastal marine environment observation belt and digital twin for the Korean Peninsula aims to connect the six universities’ research vessels and observation infrastructure to create Korea’s first longitudinal coastal dataset. The network would span the East Sea off Gangwon, the West Sea off Gunsan, the archipelagic waters of the southwest coast near Mokpo, the South Sea off Busan and Yeosu, and the subtropical waters around Jeju. Other proposals discussed included cultivating talent through joint capstone design programs in offshore wind power and developing a blue food value chain relay covering seeds, aquaculture, materials, processing, and commercialization. Following the identification of joint agendas at this meeting, the council plans to gather feedback from each university and convene a second working-level meeting to finalize the scope of the projects, designate lead universities, and establish implementation schedules. Pukyong National University’s Anchor Project Office has been appointed as the council’s inaugural chair institution, while the second working-level meeting is scheduled to take place at Chonnam National University’s Yeosu Campus in November. Once the joint agendas are finalized, the council plans to launch small-scale pilot projects at each university. Based on the results, the participating institutions will jointly pursue multi-ministerial funding opportunities offered by agencies including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Education, as well as matching support from the five participating metropolitan and provincial governments. As the council’s inaugural chair institution, Pukyong National University plans to expand its role in operating key observation sites in the South Sea region and supporting the commercialization and export of research outcomes. These efforts will draw on the university’s industry？academia cooperation assets, including its approximately 330,000-square-meter Open-UIC Field Campus, 151 tenant companies, the Blue Food contract-based department, the Smart Aquaculture Big Data Center, and the marine finance cluster. An official from Pukyong National University’s Anchor Project, formerly the RISE Project, said, “By connecting the strengths of the six universities into a single belt, we can jointly secure educational and research resources that would be difficult for individual universities to obtain on their own.“ The official added, “Through this council, we will continue to develop concrete forms of cooperation so that students can gain field-based learning opportunities spanning Korea’s coastal waters, while regional companies can access a full-cycle industry？academia cooperation network.”
Pukyong National University Establishes the Global Innovation College for International Students― 400 Students to Be Admitted Across Eight Departments, Expanding Academic Options in AI, K-Culture, and More― University’s First College Dedicated to International Students Aims to Strengthen Global CompetitivenessPukyong National University, led by President Sang-Hoon Bae, will establish the Global Innovation College (GIC) next year, becoming the university’s first college dedicated exclusively to international students. To strengthen the recruitment of international students and provide more systematic support, Pukyong National university recently finalized plans to establish the Global Innovation College. Student admissions will begin in October, with the college set to officially open for the 2027 academic year. Until now, Pukyong National University has recruited and supported international students through its Office of International Affairs and the School of Global Interdisciplinary Studies. With the establishment of the new college, the university plans to broaden academic opportunities and expand support services tailored to the diverse needs of international students. The Global Innovation College will comprise one school and seven departments, offering both English-track and Korean-track programs to meet students’ academic preferences. The college will admit 400 international students annually through a special admissions quota. Incoming students will initially enroll in the School of Global Interdisciplinary Studies and later be assigned to one of the seven departments within the Global Innovation College. Students who meet the requirements for changing majors, including language proficiency standards, may also transfer to departments outside the college. The college’s English-track programs will include the Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Department of Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Its Korean-track programs will consist of the Department of Global Media and Communication, the Department of K-Culture, the Department of Global Technology Management, and the Department of Global Sustainability Engineering. These programs will broaden students’ academic options across both engineering and humanities-related fields. As the number of international students continues to grow, the university plans to strengthen both its student support system and the quality of education. It will provide more personalized assistance by expanding its administrative support staff, restructuring scholarship programs, and offering mentoring as well as employment and settlement support. At the same time, the university plans to build a more specialized educational environment by placing full-time faculty members at the center of course instruction, developing English-language general education courses, and introducing English- and Chinese-track master’s and doctoral programs. As of April this year, Pukyong National University had 1,707 international students from 63 countries enrolled in degree, non-degree training, and dual-degree programs, including 718 undergraduate students. Through the establishment of the Global Innovation College, the university plans to increase its international student population to approximately 3,000.
Pukyong National University Joins the Supra-Regional University Alliance with 11 Leading Universities Nationwide― Collaborating with Pusan National University, Seoul National University, KAIST, UNIST, and Others to Build a Joint Research and Education Framework for Regional Development and Talent Cultivation in Southeastern KoreaPukyong National University, led by President Sang-Hoon Bae, has joined the Supra-Regional University Alliance alongside leading universities across Korea, including Pusan National University, Seoul National University, KAIST, and UNIST, to promote regional innovation and contribute to balanced national development and the future transformation of higher education. The alliance was established in line with the government’s initiative to cultivate regional talent in connection with national growth engines. It aims to link universities’ growth capabilities with emerging regional industries and build a supra-regional framework for research and educational cooperation. The launch ceremony was held on July 21 at Inmun Maru in the Humanities Building of Pusan National University. The collaboration brings together 11 leading universities nationwide: Pukyong National University, Pusan National University, Seoul National University, Inha University, Hanyang University, KAIST, UNIST, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Changwon National University, Inje University, and the University of Ulsan. The participating institutions signed a preliminary joint agreement and committed to working together to advance the southeastern region and cultivate regional talent. The participating universities plan to pursue cooperation in a wide range of areas, including cultivating regional talent linked to national growth engines; establishing joint research and development and industry-academia-research collaboration frameworks; developing joint curricula and educational systems; sharing educational and research infrastructure and promoting personnel exchanges; and developing regional AI education models and sharing related resources. Through its participation in the Supra-Regional University Alliance, Pukyong National University expects to strengthen research and educational collaboration with leading universities across the country while enhancing the competitiveness of regional strategic industries, including the marine and fisheries sectors, and fostering regional talent. The university also aims to play an active role in promoting the sustainable growth of the southeastern region and building a future-oriented national research ecosystem.
Technology Developed to Create Ultrafine Surface Features Below 50 Nanometers―Approximately One-Thousandth the Thickness of a Human Hair―Using Commercial 3D Printers― Pukyong National University Joint Research Team Overcomes the Resolution Limits of Commercial SLA 3D Printers with ‘Nano-Seed’ TechnologyA “Nano-Seed-Assisted Stereolithography (SLA) Technology” has been developed that enables ultrafine surface patterns measuring less than 50 nanometers (nm, one-billionth of a meter)―previously difficult to achieve using commercial stereolithography 3D printers alone―to be formed on complex, free-form three-dimensional structures. The achievement is the result of a joint study led by Professor Woon-Ik Park of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Pukyong National University. The research team included Dr. Tae-Wan Park of Northwestern University, doctoral student Eun-Bin Kang of Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), and master’s graduate Young-Rim Kang of Pukyong National University, in collaboration with Professor Min-Sun Lee’s research team at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) and Dr. Diana Jung’s research team at Stanford University in the United States. The research team successfully created nanopatterns even on the hair and forehead of a Buddha sculpture with a complex geometry, demonstrating that ultrafine surface structures can be integrated with free-form 3D printing in a single process. Stereolithography (SLA) is a widely used 3D printing technology that creates three-dimensional structures by curing liquid resin with light. Although it offers the advantages of smooth surfaces and highly precise geometries, directly producing ultrafine surface structures at the nanometer scale has remained difficult because of light diffraction and the diffusion of photopolymerization reactions within the resin. In practice, the commercial SLA 3D printer used in the study could reliably produce lines only as narrow as approximately 250 micrometers (μm, one-millionth of a meter) without the Nano-Seed technology. By applying the technology, however, the researchers successfully produced ultrafine lines measuring less than 50 nanometers. This represents structures approximately 5,000 times finer than the resolution limit of the commercial printer, equivalent to about one-thousandth the thickness of a human hair. The researchers devised a method in which a “Nano-Seed,” created by replicating nanopatterns from a silicon (Si) master mold onto a thin polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film, is attached to the 3D printer’s build plate. An ultrathin inorganic barrier layer approximately 30 nanometers (nm) thick is then formed over the Nano-Seed. This barrier prevents the resin from mixing with the Nano-Seed and confines the photocuring reaction to the interface, allowing the nanopatterns to be transferred with high precision. Using this method, the researchers precisely produced a variety of nanopatterns―including dots, holes, waves, and cross-shaped structures―ranging in size from 250 nanometers to 2 micrometers. They also successfully created ultrafine line patterns measuring less than 50 nanometers. In addition, the nanopatterns were formed uniformly over areas as large as 45 by 75 millimeters (mm), nearly the size of a business card, demonstrating the technology’s potential for large-area processing. The research team further validated the practicality of the technology by applying it to actual 3D-printed structures. While it has traditionally been difficult to fabricate nanometer-scale surface features on complex three-dimensional objects with free-form curved surfaces, the researchers successfully created nanopatterns on the hair and forehead of a Buddha sculpture using the newly developed technique. They demonstrated not only the fabrication of a separate nanopatterned component that could be assembled onto the sculpture, but also the direct production of a fully integrated Buddha sculpture containing nanopatterns during the printing process without any additional assembly. This achievement demonstrates that nanopatterns, which previously required post-processing or separate assembly, can now be incorporated directly into the 3D printing process. The technology therefore integrates nanometer-scale surface patterning and the fabrication of complex three-dimensional structures into a single manufacturing process. This study represents a successful integration of nanopatterning and 3D printing technologies, highlighting its potential applications in a wide range of fields, including surfaces with optical properties, anti-counterfeiting security markings, and biomimetic surfaces designed to control adhesion and fluid behavior. Professor Woon-Ik Park said, “This study is significant because it demonstrates that nanometer-scale surface structures can be produced by precisely controlling the printing interface without modifying the optical components of a commercial 3D printer. We expect the technology to be applied to the fabrication of optical and photonic surfaces, anti-counterfeiting markings, biomimetic structures, and various functional 3D-printed components.” Dr. Tae-Wan Park, doctoral student Eun-Bin Kang, and master’s graduate Young-Rim Kang contributed equally to the study as co-first authors. The co-authors included master’s student Yu-Na Kim, undergraduate student Yu-Jin Kang, Professor Kang-Jun Baek, and Professor Sung-Dae Kim of Pukyong National University; Professor Hoo-Young Jung of UNIST; and Professor Seung-Sae Hong of the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). Corresponding author Professor Woon-Ik Park is jointly affiliated with Pukyong National University, UC Davis, and RANO-M Co., Ltd. The study was conducted as part of a research project funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and administered by the National Research Foundation of Korea. The findings were recently published online in the international academic journal 『Small Structures』 under the title ‘Sub-50 nm Surface Nanopatterning via Nano-Seed Assisted Stereolithography.’
Pukyong National University Selected as a Participating Institution in the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Next-Generation Engineers Development Program― To Contribute to Building a Supra-Regional Industry-Academia Cooperation Network across Korea’s Eastern and Southwestern Regions Pukyong National University has been selected as a participating institution in the ‘Next-Generation Engineers Development Program,’ newly established by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity (KOFAC). Through the program, the university will join the construction of a supra-regional industry-academia cooperation platform across Korea’s eastern and southwestern regions, led by Pusan National University. On July 16, the Ministry of Science and ICT and KOFAC announced that Pusan National University and Yonsei University had been selected as the lead institutions for the ‘Next-Generation Engineers Development Program,’ an initiative aimed at innovating engineering education at science and engineering universities. Pukyong National University was selected as a participating institution in the Pusan National University consortium, alongside Kunsan National University and Mokpo National University. Launched this year, the program is designed primarily to help science and engineering students develop practical skills that can be immediately applied in corporate settings. Under the program, students directly undertake research projects aimed at solving real-world challenges proposed by companies, with support provided by their universities and the government. The consortium, comprising Pusan National University, Pukyong National University, Kunsan National University, and Mokpo National University, plans to establish a supra-regional industry-academia cooperation platform across Korea’s eastern and southwestern regions, focusing on four regionally specialized fields, including advanced robotics and manufacturing and next-generation energy. Its strategic technology areas include artificial intelligence (AI), advanced robotics and manufacturing, aerospace and marine technologies, secondary batteries, hydrogen, and next-generation nuclear power. Drawing on its research capabilities in marine and fisheries sciences as well as a wide range of advanced fields, Pukyong National University is expected to play a key role in fostering the next generation of engineers. The consortium aims to foster more than 1,000 professionals capable of addressing regional challenges over the next five years by transforming industry issues into customized, practice-oriented projects and providing specialized hands-on training. Participating institutions, including Pukyong National University, are expected to operate practical curricula that draw on each university’s areas of strength. Lee Jun-Bae, Director General for Future Talent Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, “Science and engineering universities are the cradle of scientific and technological talent who will drive innovation in advanced technologies such as AI, making innovation in science and engineering education essential.” He added that the ministry would actively support the lead universities selected this year so that they can serve as exemplary models for innovation in science and engineering education.
대외홍보센터 (2026-08-03)COUNT 28Pukyong National University, Hosts Pukyong International Summer School (PKNU ISS) for ‘119 Students from Nine Countries’― Students from 19 universities to live together in campus housing for two to four weeks― Participants to take global courses and experience Korean culture through K-pop dance, Korean cooking, marine sports, and morePukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) launched the 2026 PKNU International Summer School (PKNU ISS) on July 20, bringing together 119 participants: 103 international students from 19 universities across nine countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, China, and Japan, as well as 16 Pukyong National University students. Following the opening ceremony, the program will be offered in two sessions―a four-week course from July 20 to August 14 and a two-week course from August 3 to 14―to accommodate participants’ schedules and the academic calendars of their home universities. To facilitate the international students’ arrival and adjustment to life in Korea, Pukyong National University’s Office of International Affairs is providing customized support, including pickup services at Gimhae International Airport and Busan Station, shared residence-hall accommodation with Pukyong National University students, and a buddy program. Beginning July 21, participants will take part in a wide range of Korean cultural activities, including pottery making, K-pop dancing, Korean cooking, calligraphy, taekwondo, traditional cultural experiences, makgeolli brewing, and a temple stay. In addition, participants will visit some of Busan’s most iconic cultural and tourist attractions, including Haeundae Blueline Park, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, Busan X the Sky, Songdo Marine Cable Car, and the Busan City Tour. They will also experience Busan’s maritime culture by enjoying marine sports such as rafting boats and banana boats at Gwangalli Beach, located near the university campus. Alongside the cultural activities, students will take global courses taught in English. The four-week program offers elective courses such as Understanding International Relations, Sport Scuba Diving and the Underwater Environment, and Basic Korean, as well as the required course Global Culture II. Students in the two-week program will take Learning Korean through K-Culture and Global Culture I. Participants can earn up to four academic credits. First launched in 2009, the PKNU International Summer School (PKNU ISS) has become one of Pukyong National University’s flagship international exchange programs, attracting students from Korea and around the world each year. The program provides international students with opportunities to experience the Korean language, Korean culture, and Busan’s unique maritime environment firsthand, while offering Pukyong National University students valuable opportunities to strengthen their global competencies through interaction with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through the program, Pukyong National University aims to help participants not only build academic knowledge in the classroom but also gain a broad understanding of Korea’s traditional and contemporary culture, as well as Busan’s maritime culture. By combining academic learning with immersive cultural experiences, the university seeks to foster mutual cultural understanding and cultivate a global perspective among all participants.
Pukyong National University Research Team Improves Long-Term Ocean Wave Height Prediction Accuracy with an AI Model Integrating Wind Speed Data― Enhanced long-term wave forecasting expected to support marine safety and smart ocean technologiesA research team at Pukyong National University has successfully improved the accuracy of Significant Wave Height (SWH) estimation under long-term data conditions by developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model that integrates X-band marine radar imagery with wind speed data. The research team, led by Na-Yoon Kang, a doctoral student in the Department of Computer and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, and Professor Won-Doo Jang of Pukyong National University, in collaboration with Professor Young-Jun Yang of the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at Tongmyong University, developed a deep learning model named SWH-WindNet. The team evaluated the model’s performance in estimating significant wave height using long-term observational datasets that combine X-band marine radar imagery with wind speed information. The proposed model demonstrated superior predictive performance compared with existing models that use radar imagery alone, recording a higher correlation coefficient and a lower root mean square error (RMSE). By incorporating wind speed as an external environmental variable, the model achieved an average correlation coefficient of 0.9461 and an RMSE of 0.3887 meters, outperforming a range of state-of-the-art 2D and 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) and transformer-based models. The research team also evaluated the model’s seasonal performance using a full year of observational data collected at Sokcho Beach. While the performance of existing models varied significantly across seasons, the proposed model maintained stable prediction accuracy throughout the year. In winter, in particular, the model reduced RMSE by approximately 11.8 percent, demonstrating that the integration of wind speed data effectively mitigates performance degradation caused by seasonal environmental changes. This study verified the generalizability of a radar-based significant wave height estimation model using long-term marine observation data and introduced an AI model that effectively integrates wind speed information. The technology is expected to serve as a key foundation for marine safety and smart ocean applications, including route planning, vessel traffic service (VTS) systems, autonomous ships, and long-term ocean monitoring systems. The paper presenting the findings, titled “Significant Wave Height Estimation Using X-band Radar Imagery with Wind Fusion: Performance Enhancement in Long-Term Data Environments,” was published online in June in Ocean Engineering (IF 6.3, JCR Q1), an SCIE-indexed international journal in the field of ocean engineering published by Elsevier.
Pukyong National University Research Team Publishes Food-Biomedical Engineering Convergence Study in Top 1% International Journal― Professor Young-Mok Kim’s Team Develops Eco-Friendly Antimicrobial Platform Based on Marine-Derived Natural Materials, Opening New Possibilities for Food Safety and Biohealth Applications Professor Young-Mok Kim’s research team in the Division of Food Science and Biotechnology at Pukyong National University has developed an eco-friendly antimicrobial platform technology based on marine-derived biosurfactants. The research was published in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry (2025 Impact Factor: 10.2), a globally renowned international journal ranked in the top 1.2% of the Journal Citation Reports (JCR). The research team developed a nanoemulsion platform that simultaneously delivers emulsion stability and antimicrobial functionality by utilizing natural biosurfactants produced by microorganisms isolated from the marine environment. Conventional nanoemulsions have relied on surfactants primarily to stabilize emulsions. In this study, however, the researchers designed the biosurfactant itself to perform both interfacial stabilization and antibacterial functions, successfully creating a next-generation eco-friendly antimicrobial platform that combines high stability with enhanced functionality. The study was conducted jointly by Dr. Geum-Jae Jeong of the Marine Bionics Convergence Technology Center, the first author of the paper, Professor Young-Mok Kim and Professor Won-Kyo Jung of the Division of Biomedical Engineering at Pukyong National University, along with researchers from the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea and the Korea Food Research Institute. The findings were published in the paper, ‘Novel Biosurfactant-Stabilized Nanoemulsions Integrating Interfacial Stabilization and Antibacterial Activity for Safe Surface Disinfection.’ The study is regarded as significant for demonstrating the potential to expand the applications of marine-derived biomaterials beyond food safety to the fields of biohealth and living environments. In particular, collaborative research with specialized domestic institutions, including the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea and the Korea Food Research Institute, further enhanced the potential for the industrial application and practical commercialization of marine-derived biomaterials. Professor Young-Mok Kim has been consecutively named to the World’s Top 2% Scientists list, jointly announced by Elsevier and Stanford University, since 2024. He continues to conduct research on the development of antimicrobial and antibiofilm materials using marine-derived biomaterials, as well as their applications in the fields of food safety and biohealth. Meanwhile, the study was supported by the Priority Research Institute Program and the Basic Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF).
대외홍보센터 (2026-07-20)COUNT 89Pukyong National University Researchers Board Icebreaker Araon to Launch Full-Scale Studies on Arctic Climate Change and Shipping Routes― Arctic Ocean and Atmospheric Observations Conducted with Support from the G-LAMP Project Group and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries― Monitoring Sea-Ice Changes and Greenhouse Gases to Support Climate-Change Responses and Establish a Foundation for the Use of Arctic Shipping Routes Researchers from Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) will embark aboard the icebreaking research vessel Araon to conduct studies on Arctic climate change and carry out oceanic and atmospheric observations. Supported by the university’s G-LAMP Project Group and the Polar Open Innovation Program of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the expedition is expected to play an important role in advancing understanding of the rapidly changing Arctic environment and establishing the scientific foundation needed for the future development and use of Arctic shipping routes. According to the 2026 Arctic Voyage Master Schedule released by the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), an affiliated institute of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), the Araon will depart from Incheon Port on July 11 and conduct research surveys in the Arctic Ocean for a total of 83 days before returning to Gwangyang Port on October 2. Pukyong National University researchers will participate in the first leg, from July 22 to August 23, and the second leg, from August 23 to September 19, conducting oceanic and atmospheric observations and greenhouse gas monitoring, respectively. During the first leg of the expedition, researchers Ik-Jun Hwang and Geun-Young Kim from the research team led by Professor Woo-Seok Moon of the Major of Environmental Atmospheric Sciences will board the vessel. The team plans to install an Ice Mass Balance Buoy (IMB) on Arctic sea ice to conduct long-term observations of changes in sea-ice thickness and temperature. They will also use radiosondes to carry out upper-atmospheric observations and analyze the structure and changes of the Arctic atmosphere. Through this work, the researchers aim to identify the causes of Arctic climate change and clarify interactions between the atmosphere and ocean, while securing fundamental data needed to predict environmental changes affecting Arctic shipping routes. During the second leg, Professor Dong-Heon Lee, researcher Gwan-Ho Kim, and Dr. Young-Seok Jung of the Department of Oceanography will join the expedition. The team will monitor greenhouse gases, including methane, that may be released from subsea permafrost in the Arctic and investigate changes in the carbon cycle caused by climate change. Because Arctic permafrost is known to store vast amounts of carbon, whether it releases greenhouse gases is considered one of the key factors that could determine the future pace of global warming. The expedition is significant not only for advancing understanding of the mechanisms driving Arctic climate change, but also for securing sea-ice and weather data in preparation for the expanded use of Arctic shipping routes. The field observation data are expected to improve the accuracy of climate models and serve as scientific evidence for the safe navigation of Arctic shipping routes and the development of future polar policies. The G-LAMP Project Group at Pukyong National University actively supports polar field research to strengthen the global research capabilities of graduate students and early-career researchers. Through their participation in the Araon expedition, students and researchers will conduct observations and experiments firsthand at a world-class polar research site, while building their capacity for international collaborative research. Professor Woo-Seok Moon said, “The Arctic is one of the regions where climate change is progressing most rapidly, and field observation data are essential for improving the accuracy of climate-change predictions. We hope that the data collected through this expedition will provide an important scientific foundation not only for Arctic climate-change research, but also for the future use of Arctic shipping routes and the development of polar policies.” Meanwhile, the Araon, commissioned in 2009, is Korea’s first icebreaking research vessel. Operating between the Antarctic and Arctic regions, it conducts polar research across a wide range of fields, including the ocean, atmosphere, cryosphere, and ecosystems. During its 2026 Arctic expedition, the vessel will also collaborate with domestic and international research institutions to conduct diverse studies aimed at identifying the rapidly changing Arctic environment and the mechanisms of climate change.
Pukyong National University, Hosts ‘Korea Oceans and Fisheries Grand Forum 2026’― “Completing Korea’s Maritime Capital Region Is the Nation’s Future!”―Presenting a Future Vision for Korea’s Oceans and Fisheries― Government, Local Authorities, Industry, and Academia to Gather at Pukyong National University on July 8― Busan Mayor and Other Leaders to Discuss the Arctic Shipping Route Era and Strategies for the Maritime Capital RegionPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) hosted the Korea Oceans and Fisheries Grand Forum 2026 at Pukyong Convention Hall on the afternoon of July 8. Held under the slogan, “Completing Korea’s Maritime Capital Region Is the Nation’s Future!”, the forum brought together representatives from the central government, local governments, public institutions in the oceans and fisheries sector, industry, and academia to explore future growth strategies and avenues for cooperation in Korea’s oceans and fisheries sector. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing environment―including the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, the full-scale opening of the Arctic shipping route era, and the AI-driven transformation of the oceans and fisheries sector―the event proposed a national-level cooperation platform model linking policy, industry, research and development (R&D), and talent development. At the forum, Busan Mayor Jae-Soo Jeon, together with representatives from the Busan Metropolitan Government, the central government, and major institutions and organizations in the oceans and fisheries sector, shared a vision for establishing the maritime capital region and strengthening Korea’s competitiveness in oceans and fisheries. Under the theme “Completing Korea’s Maritime Capital Region Is the Nation’s Future!”, participants joined a future maritime vision performance and declared a new leap forward for Korea’s oceans and fisheries sector. In the keynote address, Tae-Yoo Kim, professor emeritus at Seoul National University, spoke on the theme “Opening the Era of the Maritime Capital Region as a Hub for Arctic Shipping Routes.” He outlined how the development of Arctic shipping routes could reshape the global logistics landscape and explained why Korea should establish a new axis of growth centered on the maritime capital region. The special dialogue that followed brought together experts in the oceans and fisheries sector to discuss future strategies under the theme “Completing Korea’s Maritime Capital Region Is the Nation’s Future!” The session was moderated by Myung-Shin Ha, Vice President for External Affairs at Pukyong National University. Panelists included Jong-Deok Kim, Chairman of the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency; Jae-Yul Park, Representative of the Busan Development Council for the Maritime Capital; Byung-Gil Ahn, President of the Korea Ocean Business Corporation; and Hee-Seung Lee, President of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology. They held in-depth discussions on sustainable development strategies for Korea’s oceans and fisheries, including responses to the Arctic shipping route era, ways to enhance the competitiveness of maritime industries, strategies for establishing the maritime capital region, industry？academia？research cooperation, and the cultivation of future talent. President Sang-Hoon Bae of Pukyong National University said, “The relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan and the opening of the Arctic shipping route era mark a historic turning point in which Korea’s future growth axis is expanding toward the ocean and regional communities. We hope this forum will present a new vision for Korea’s oceans and fisheries and serve as a starting point for connecting policy, industry, research, and talent development to complete a globally competitive maritime capital region.” Earlier that morning, Pukyong National University also held the Interdisciplinary Seminar on Oceans and Fisheries, joined by seven of its colleges. Experts from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Business Administration discussed “Future Strategies for Arctic Shipping Routes and the Port of Busan,” while the College of Natural Sciences, the College of Fisheries Sciences, and the College of Environmental and Marine Sciences and Technology explored “Smart Oceans and Fisheries Based on AI and Digital Transformation.” The College of Engineering and the College of Information Technology and Convergence addressed “The Present and Future of Super-Gap Marine Science and Technology.” Through these sessions, participants engaged in wide-ranging discussions on the future agenda of the oceans and fisheries sector beyond conventional academic boundaries. Meanwhile, drawing on the educational and research capabilities it has accumulated as a university specializing in oceans and fisheries, Pukyong National University plans to further expand close cooperation with the central government, local governments, and industry. Through these efforts, the university aims to lead the advancement of Korea’s oceans and fisheries sector and the realization of a globally competitive maritime capital region.
Pukyong National University to Establish ‘AX Innovation College’ for AI Convergence Talent Development― New College to Recruit 38 Students Beginning with This Year’s Admissions Cycle― Programs to Include the Department of AX Sustainable Convergence, the Department of AI Convergence Systems Engineering, and the AXIC School of Interdisciplinary StudiesPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) will establish the AX Innovation College beginning in the 2027 academic year to systematically nurture convergence-oriented talent capable of leading the artificial intelligence (AI) era. Pukyong National University announced that the new college is being established in response to the rapid digital transformation and the widespread adoption of AI technologies, with the goal of systematically developing AI convergence talent to lead future industries. The establishment of the college is a key development strategy aimed at securing the university’s future growth engines and leading innovation in regional industries. The AX Innovation College will foster future-ready professionals capable of applying AI technologies across diverse industries to solve real-world problems and create new values. Its programs will focus on developing interdisciplinary capabilities that can drive industrial innovation by integrating AI into strategic regional and national sectors, including oceans and fisheries, biotechnology, smart logistics, energy, and manufacturing. To this end, Pukyong National University will establish two departments and one school within the AX Innovation College: the Department of AX Sustainable Convergence, the Department of AI Convergence Systems Engineering, and the AXIC School of Interdisciplinary Studies. A total of 38 freshmen will be recruited beginning with this year’s admissions cycle. Following the establishment of the new departments and adjustments to enrollment quotas, the university’s total undergraduate admission quota will increase by 20, from 3,338 to 3,358 students next year. The Department of AX Sustainable Convergence will cultivate innovative professionals capable of using AI to design a sustainable future society and address industrial and social challenges. Through project-based education focused on identifying and solving real-world problems in fields such as fisheries and oceans, energy, manufacturing, and local communities, students will develop interdisciplinary thinking and practical problem-solving skills. The Department of AI Convergence Systems Engineering will cultivate practice-oriented engineering professionals capable of leading the digital transformation of future industries through AI, data, and systems technologies. Along with advanced coursework in machine learning, generative AI, data science, cloud computing, and databases, the department plans to offer projects using real-world data from the marine, biotechnology, and smart logistics sectors to strengthen students’ industry-focused capabilities. The AXIC School of Interdisciplinary Studies will support students in exploring a wide range of academic fields connected to AI after enrollment and designing individualized learning pathways suited to their aptitudes and career goals. Through the AX Innovation College, Pukyong National University plans to move beyond its existing major-centered education system by establishing an AI-based convergence education platform and pursuing educational innovation aligned with the needs of future industries. In particular, building on its strengths as a national university specializing in oceans and fisheries, the university is expected to contribute to the digital transformation and enhanced competitiveness of regional strategic industries through differentiated education that integrates AI with the oceans and fisheries sector. President Sang-Hoon Bae said, “Through the AX Innovation College, we will cultivate convergence-oriented professionals who understand AI and can apply it in industrial settings, while developing an innovative education model that proactively responds to changes in future society.”
Sung-Geun Lee, Director of Lee Saem Hospital, Donates KRW 100 Million to Pukyong National University― Supporting the University’s 80th Anniversary and the Advancement of Regional Universities and Professional Medical Education Sung-Geun Lee, Director of Lee Saem Hospital, donated KRW 100 million to Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae). Sung-Geun Lee presented the donation to President Bae at a university development fund donation ceremony held in the reception room of Pukyong National University’s administration building on the afternoon of July 6. Sung-Geun Lee said, “I would like to congratulate Pukyong National University on its 80th anniversary and recognize its longstanding commitment to advancing the local community and nurturing outstanding talent. I hope the university will continue to serve as a strong pillar supporting the development of Busan and the nation.” Sung-Geun Lee, who is also an alumnus of Pukyong National University with a master’s degree in business administration, has been actively contributing to the development of the local community. His recognition includes a Prime Minister’s Commendation for Contributions to Job Creation, a Busan Mayor’s Commendation as an Exemplary Citizen for Good Deeds, and a Minister of the Interior and Safety Commendation for Contributions to Innovation in Safety Policy. He currently serves as president of the Busan Honor Society Club. Lee Saem Hospital and Pukyong National University signed a memorandum of understanding in May to promote regional development and nurture future talent. Since then, the two institutions have drawn on the expertise of a medical institution specializing in health screenings and a national university to cooperate in building an industry-academia collaboration network and operating programs such as comprehensive health screenings and medical examinations for international students. Sung-Geun Lee said, “Healthcare and education are among the most essential forms of infrastructure for regional development. I hope Pukyong National University will continue its efforts to nurture professional medical personnel and contribute to the advancement of our local community.” Marking its 80th anniversary this year, Pukyong National University is continuing a relay of supportive donations for the university’s development, with Sung-Geun Lee participating as the 45th donor. The university plans to use the fund to realize its future vision for institutional advancement, including becoming a research-oriented university, an AI transformation (AX) innovation university, and a global innovation university.
대외홍보센터 (2026-07-20)COUNT 62Technology Developed to Boost the Production of Functional Microalgal Materials Using Light― Pukyong National University-Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Joint Research Team Confirms Simultaneous Increases in Microalgal Cell Productivity and the Production of Fucoxanthin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids under Red-Light Conditions― Next-Generation Platform for Optimizing Microalgae Cultivation Proposed through Image-Based Single-Cell Analysis A research team led by Professor Hyun-Ho Shin of the Major of Aquaculture and Applied Life Sciences in the Division of Fisheries Life Sciences at Pukyong National University, together with a team led by Dr. Jun Lee of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), has developed a new light-based cultivation technology capable of simultaneously enhancing microalgal growth and the production of functional materials. The joint research team conducted cultivation experiments using the marine microalga Tisochrysis lutea, combining white, red, and blue light with plant hormones. The researchers comprehensively analyzed growth characteristics, photosynthetic capacity, fucoxanthin and fatty acid production, and cellular population structure. The findings confirmed that light wavelength is a key environmental factor that regulates not only microalgal growth, but also the morphology of cell populations and the production of functional metabolites. The research team found that microalgae cultivated under red light exhibited approximately 1.5 times higher cell productivity than those grown under white light and approximately 1.4 times higher productivity than those grown under blue light. Under red-light conditions, the production of fucoxanthin, an antioxidant functional pigment, increased by up to 1.62%, while total fatty acid production rose by up to 14.6%. In particular, omega-3 fatty acids―including DHA, a key ingredient in health functional foods and high-quality aquaculture feed―showed the highest productivity under red-light conditions. Fucoxanthin is a natural carotenoid that has attracted attention for its various bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA are also high-value biomaterials widely used in health functional foods and the aquaculture industry. This study presents a strategy for efficiently producing these functional materials simultaneously under a single set of cultivation conditions. Going beyond conventional analyses limited to biomass or pigment content, the joint research team applied image-based single-cell cytometry to analyze real-time changes in cell morphology and population structure during cultivation. The results showed that cell aggregation decreased substantially under red light, with more than approximately 97% of the total cells maintaining a uniform single-cell state. This approach is attracting attention as a new evaluation technology that could improve not only the productivity of functional materials, but also the efficiency of future large-scale cultivation and harvesting processes. The research team also confirmed that although plant hormones had some effects on microalgal growth and metabolism, overall productivity and cellular characteristics were primarily determined by light wavelength. These findings indicate that prioritizing the optimization of the light environment is the most effective strategy for controlling the production of functional substances in microalgae. Professor Hyun-Ho Shin said, “This study demonstrates that light wavelength can simultaneously regulate not only microalgal growth, but also cell population structure and the production of functional materials. It is particularly meaningful in that it presents a new platform for precisely evaluating microalgal cultivation conditions by incorporating image-based single-cell analysis.” The findings were published in Bioresource Technology, a leading international journal in the fields of biomass and bioprocessing ranked in the top 3% by JCR with an impact factor of 9, under the title “Light Spectra Shape Population Structure and the Allocation of Fucoxanthin and Fatty Acids with Secondary Phytohormone Modulation in Tisochrysis lutea.”
대외홍보센터 (2026-07-20)COUNT 57Pukyong National University Selected to Lead KRW 7 Billion R&D Project by the Korea AeroSpace Administration― Five-Year Project to ‘Advance AI-Based Aerospace Research and Development’― Development of a CubeSat for Marine Environmental Monitoring and Acquisition of Core AI Technologies to Begin in Earnest Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) has been selected as the lead research institution for the Space Technology Innovation Talent Development (R&D)―Advancement of AI-Based Aerospace Research and Development Projects, a major national research and development initiative promoted by the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA). The large-scale national project will receive a total of KRW 7 billion in government R&D funding over five years, from this year through 2030. Through the project, Pukyong National University will lead next-generation research and development integrating AI with space technologies, while cultivating specialized professionals in the field. Professor Yang-Won Lee of the Major of Satellite Information Convergence Engineering at Pukyong National University will serve as the principal investigator. The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and space startup Nara Space Technology will participate as partner institutions, forming an industry-academia-research collaboration network. Pukyong National University’s research team will include Professor Yang-Won Lee, along with Professors Chul-Woong Choi, Jin-Soo Kim, Han-Lim Lee, Wook-Gyo Jeong, Joon-Hwa Chi, Moon-Gab Joo, Ji-Yeol Ryu, and other experts in remote sensing, big data, and information and communications technology. The project’s core objective is to establish a Space+AI convergence talent development platform for marine environmental monitoring using CubeSats. The Pukyong National University consortium plans to directly design and manufacture an engineering model of a CubeSat specialized for marine environmental monitoring and secure core AI technologies capable of analyzing satellite-collected data in real time. To achieve this goal, the research team will develop an onboard AI inference engine and FPGA-based real-time image processing technology; marine remote-sensing preprocessing technologies such as atmospheric correction, sunglint removal, reflectance normalization, and spatiotemporal missing-data reconstruction; AI models for deriving marine ecological indicators, including chlorophyll-a, total suspended solids (TSS), colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), and surface currents; and approximately 20 core AI technologies for marine environmental monitoring, including the detection of harmful algal blooms, marine debris, port air pollution, and vessels engaged in illegal fishing. In particular, the consortium plans to apply multimodal AI convergence technologies that combine existing satellite imagery from sources such as Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope with data from its own CubeSat. This approach is expected to improve the quality of low-cost CubeSat data and establish a next-generation foundation for the more precise monitoring and utilization of marine environmental information. Having been selected for the project through competition with leading universities nationwide, the Pukyong National University consortium has demonstrated its research competitiveness in satellite information engineering. Going forward, it plans to lead the development of self-reliant core technologies in aerospace and AI-based remote sensing by developing a CubeSat for marine environmental monitoring and securing foundational AI technologies. The consortium also aims to establish itself as a hub for cultivating interdisciplinary professionals who will lead the New Space era.
대외홍보센터 (2026-07-20)COUNT 84Pukyong National University Selected to Participate in ‘Industrial Data Quantum Computing Transition’ Project― KRW 17 Billion Project Led by KETI … University to Develop an Optimal Quantum Computer Matching Platform Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) has been selected as a participating institution for the ‘Industrial Data Quantum Computing Transition and Utilization Support Platform’ project under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s second call for the ‘2026 Industrial Innovation Infrastructure Development Program.’ Pukyong National University will participate as a joint research institution alongside Hallym University in the project, which is led by the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) and supported by Seongnam City. Scheduled to run for four years and six months, from this July through 2030, the large-scale project will receive a total investment of KRW 16.96 billion, including KRW 10 billion in government funding as well as contributions from the participating institutions and Seongnam City. The project aims to establish and provide a national infrastructure platform that enables companies to access quantum computing through the cloud without investing in expensive quantum-related equipment. With South Korea’s quantum computing market projected to grow from KRW 375.4 billion last year to KRW 1.4544 trillion by 2034, the new infrastructure is expected to help companies strengthen their technological competitiveness by sharing access to the platform without having to build quantum computers or other hardware independently. KETI will develop an integrated quantum-classical hybrid cloud platform, while Pukyong National University will build a platform for optimally matching quantum algorithms with quantum computers. Hallym University will develop an embedding platform that converts industrial data into a quantum-compatible format. The Pukyong National University research team, led by Professor Young-Sun Han of the School of Computer and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, will develop a core technology that connects industrial problems submitted by companies to the most suitable quantum computers based on data characteristics and algorithm types. To carry out the project, the university plans to mobilize a large team of faculty members and researchers from the School of Computer and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, the Major of Satellite Information Convergence Engineering, the Department of Physics, and the Major of Electronic Engineering. The team will include Professors Young-Sun Han, Hoon-Hee Kim, Tae-Kook Kim, Yang-Won Lee, Sang-Ho Oh, Hee-Chul Park, Seung-Ho Yoo, Sang-Won Hwang, and Sol-Ah Woo, and will actively utilize related infrastructure, including the Quantum AI Research Institute. In particular, as the development of the Arctic shipping route gains attention as a future strategic initiative for Busan and the southeastern region, the research team will also conduct demonstrations of quantum computing applications in logistics, maritime, and shipbuilding industries linked to the region’s key industrial strengths. By establishing industrial support hubs in the Seoul metropolitan area through KETI, the southeastern region through Pukyong National University, and the Gangwon region through Hallym University, the project is expected to expand companies’ access to quantum computing and strengthen industrial competitiveness. It is also anticipated to serve as a catalyst for cultivating practice-oriented quantum professionals and revitalizing regional quantum industry ecosystems.
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