NEW BEGINNING, NEW INSPIRATION
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Pukyong National University Earns Highest Distinction in Institutional Records Management Evaluation- Awarded the Top “Grade A” Rating in the 2025 Evaluation by the National Archives of KoreaPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) has achieved the highest “Grade A” rating in the 2025 Public Institution Records Management Evaluation conducted by the National Archives of Korea under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The records management evaluation is conducted biennially to strengthen and improve the records management capabilities of public institutions. This year’s assessment covered a total of 248 organizations, including central administrative agencies, special local administrative bodies, and national and public universities. Pukyong National University received outstanding scores across all evaluated areas―including institutional foundation and implementation of records management―earning the top “Grade A” with a total score of 96 out of 100 (96 points). The average score among 42 national and public universities assessed was 71.9 points. The university has consistently performed well above the national and public university average in previous evaluations, and this year again demonstrated systematic and professional capacity in key records management domains such as infrastructure and facilities, dedicated personnel, training and education, preservation, transfer, and archival handover, classification and indexing of records, all led by its specialized records management department. In particular, the university earned high praise for building a comprehensive records database to enhance the archival access and viewing environment, and for operating user-centered services to activate records center utilization―such as providing record services to external stakeholders, including hands-on field training programs (records management practicum education). Meanwhile, based on the 2025 evaluation results, the National Archives of Korea plans to grant commendation awards and opportunities to study international best practices overseas to institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance and notable improvement efforts. For institutions assessed as insufficient, the agency will provide future on-site consulting guidance and customized, specialized training programs.
Pukyong National University Launch a Neulbom School After-School Program Specialized in Marine & Fisheries and ESG- Selected for the 2026 Neulbom School After-School Program Project- Supplies an after-school curriculum integrating Marine & Fisheries and Climate Environment (ESG) education to 40 classrooms nationwidePukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) has been officially selected as a specialized program operating institution (Type 2) for the 2026 Neulbom School After-School Curriculum Supply Project, jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science & Creativity. Pukyong National University received excellent evaluations for its differentiated educational content, which brings together top-tier national expertise in marine and fisheries education and ESG values focused on climate change response, seamlessly applied within real classroom learning environments. With this project selection, Pukyong National University will introduce 11 newly developed educational programs that converge Busan’s geographic strengths, the university’s core specialization in marine and fisheries, and the rapidly growing importance of climate and environmental ESG education. The newly developed programs focus on the importance of marine ecosystems and strategies for responding to the climate crisis and are designed for elementary students using play-based and hands-on experiential learning formats suited to their level of understanding. Pukyong National University has secured KRW 300 million in project funding this year and plans to supply customized Neulbom after-school programs to 40 elementary school classrooms nationwide. University experts collaborated in developing the programs. The Department of Marine and Fisheries Industry Education strengthened academic expertise and curriculum quality, led by Professor Cho Jin-Ho (Program Director) and Professor Lee Tae-Ho (Education Feedback & Curriculum Improvement Director). The Education Donation Hub Support Center oversaw project execution, regional networking, and external cooperation, directed by Professor Lee Sang-Gil (Project Lead) and Professor Lee Song-Yi (External Cooperation & Partnership Lead). The Institute of Fisheries and Ocean Education Research provided technical foundations by conducting education content R&D and validating program effectiveness. With this project selection, Pukyong National University plans to fulfill its public mission as a leading national university representing the region, focusing on narrowing educational gaps and strengthening the quality of public education. Center Director Lee Sang-Gil stated, “We will make the most of the university’s unparalleled marine and fisheries education infrastructure and the Neulbom School platform to help the future generation grow into creative talent―students who build their dreams through the ocean and put ESG values into practice.”
Pukyong National University Holds the 2026 New Year Kickoff Ceremony- January 2, University Headquarters Main Conference HallPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) held the 2026 New Year Kickoff Ceremony on January 2 in the main conference room on the 2nd floor of the university headquarters. The ceremony was attended by President Bae Sang-Hoon, academic council members, faculty, and administrative staff. Awards presented included University Contribution Award for Institutional Advancement, Exemplary Public Official Certification, Minister of Education Award, 2025 Staff of the Year, 2025 Rookie of the Year, Outstanding Staff for Q4 and Commendation for Campus Security Personnel. Notably, institutional achievements celebrated at the event included Minister of Education Award at the Government Innovation Competition in Education, Busan Metropolitan City Mayor’s Award for Merit in the Comprehensive Emergency Response Drill, Overall Integrity Assessment Grade 1 (Top Rank) and Public Institution Records Management Evaluation Grade A. President Bae Sang-Hoon, in his New Year’s address, introduced the university’s key achievements from the past year―including its rise in the QS World University Rankings, major government project selections, and notable research accomplishments―and emphasized, “Together, we have made a bold and energetic leap forward, leaving a lasting footprint on a defining page of our university’s history.” He also stated, “This year, marking both our 80th founding anniversary and the 30th anniversary of university integration, will stand as one of the most meaningful turning points in our institution’s journey, and it will be an especially remarkable and significant year for all of us.” He continued, “Building on our history, achievements, and momentum of change, we must now boldly step forward with courage as we embark on a great journey and take a new leap toward our future.” He went on to present the university’s vision for becoming a research-focused institution, an AX (AI Transformation) innovation university, a global innovation-driven university, and a leader in administrative advancement, underscoring, “We will move forward as a strong university that leads the marine and fisheries sector, shapes the future, and advances into a world-reaching hub for research and education innovation.” Prior to the ceremony, President Bae Sang-Hoon and academic executives paid tribute at the Baekgyeong Tower. After the event, the university held a New Year Courtesy Greeting Session, where attendees exchanged New Year wishes through handshakes with university members.
Pukyong National University Posts Record High 7.19:1 Competition Rate for 2026 Regular Admissions- Application Period Closed on the 31st; 5,524 Applicants for 768 Available SpotsPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) recorded its highest-ever regular admissions competition rate for the 2026 academic year at 7.19 to 1. The university’s Admissions Headquarters (Dean Park In-Ho) accepted applications for regular first-year admissions from December 29 to 31, and received 5,524 applicants for 768 available seats, resulting in a 7.19:1 competition rate. The previous year’s regular admissions competition rate stood at 5.61 to 1, with 4,481 applicants for 799 seats. By recruitment group, Group A posted a 5.87:1 competition rate (2,135 applicants for 364 seats), Group B posted 6.06:1 (1,775 applicants for 293 seats), and Group C posted the highest overall at 14.54:1 (1,614 applicants for 111 seats). Among the general admission tracks in Group A, the Department of Applied Mathematics recorded the highest competition rate at 14.6:1 (73 applicants for 5 seats), followed by the Department of Physics at 11.83:1 (71 applicants for 6 seats). In Group B, the Department of Ocean Engineering posted a 14.6:1 competition rate (73 applicants for 5 seats), while the Department of Biotechnology Engineering recorded 13.8:1 (69 applicants for 5 seats). In Group C, the Smart Healthcare Division (Human Bio Convergence Major) marked the highest competition rate at 30:1 (90 applicants for 3 seats). The social sciences cluster (including the Department of Law, Chinese Studies, and Political Science & International Relations) posted 22:1 with 110 applicants for 5 seats. The practical skills examination schedule for arts and sports majors in the 2026 regular admissions is set for January 12 (Industrial Design Major · Marine Sports Major) and January 21 (Visual Design Major). Final admissions results will be officially announced on January 30 via the university website.
Pukyong National University Unveils Its 80th Anniversary Emblem- Symbolizes a Bold Spirit Rising Toward the FuturePukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) has revealed its commemorative emblem ahead of the university’s 80th founding anniversary in 2026. Since last November, Pukyong National University has hosted an open design contest for the 80th anniversary emblem, and has now finalized the emblem by enhancing and refining the winning concept selected through the competition. The emblem features a visual motif combining the university’s symbolic animal, the sperm whale, and its existing core symbol, the compass, designed alongside the number 80. It visually represents the university’s bold and aspiring spirit as it moves toward a bright future in celebration of its 80th anniversary. Pukyong National University was born through the historic integration of Busan Fisheries College, South Korea’s first higher education institution dedicated to marine and fisheries studies, and Busan Technical College, the nation’s first modern industrial engineering education institute ―marking the first-ever merger among comprehensive national universities in the region. As the first university established in Busan, it has long been recognized as a cradle of talent, producing generations of leaders and professionals who have contributed to both regional growth and national development. Although the founding histories of the two predecessor institutions each span more than a century, the university collectively agreed to define its official founding year as 1946, following Korea’s liberation. Based on this milestone, the university will celebrate its 80th founding anniversary in 2026, while its legacy of integration will also reach 30 years since 1996, marking another meaningful chapter in its institutional history. Pukyong National University plans to make 2026, its 80th anniversary year, a milestone period defined by a great journey and a new leap forward, accelerating its vision as a research-focused university, an AX (AI Transformation) innovation university, and a global innovation-driven institution. The university will utilize the newly unveiled 80th anniversary emblem across major commemorative initiatives―including anniversary events, the ongoing Donation Relay Campaign, printed pamphlets, and a wide range of online content―to actively communicate its institutional history, achievements, and forward-looking vision both within Korea and to the international community.
Pukyong National University Tops Comprehensive Integrity Rankings Among National and Public Universities- Only Institution Among 16 National and Public Universities to Receive a Top “Grade 1” in the Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission’s Integrity AssessmentPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) ranked 1st in the comprehensive integrity evaluation among 16 national and public universities nationwide. According to the 2025 Public Institution Comprehensive Integrity Assessment announced by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission on December 23, Pukyong National University was the only national and public university in the country to receive the top “Integrity Grade 1”. Excluding 2024―when national and public university evaluations were not conducted―Pukyong National University has continuously received the highest Integrity Grade 1 following the 2022 and 2023 assessments, earning recognition for its strong commitment to fostering an ethical campus culture and expanding institutional integrity efforts. The university achieved excellent results across all evaluation categories, including perceived integrity levels measured through surveys of external partners and internal members, institution-wide integrity improvement initiatives, anti-corruption practices and conditions, corruption status and risk monitoring. In particular, the university solely achieved the top “Integrity Grade 1” in key domains, including contract and procurement, as well as research, academic operations, and administrative integrity perception, demonstrating the highest performance level across major assessment areas. Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission conducted the 2025 Comprehensive Integrity Assessment across 709 public institutions nationwide, applying a separate evaluation model exclusively to 16 national and public universities with an annual freshman enrollment quota of 2,500 students or more.
CEO Park Pil-Seon of Seyeong Foods Donates KRW 150 Million to Pukyong National University for Its ‘80th Anniversary’- The 80th Anniversary Donation Relay Continues… Development Fund Delivery Ceremony Held on the 23rdPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) held a development fund delivery ceremony for CEO Park Pil-Seon of Seyeong Foods Co., Ltd. on the afternoon of December 23 in the reception room at the university’s main administration building. At the event, CEO Park Pil-Seon expressed, “I hope this contribution will support Pukyong National University’s innovation and its next leap forward as it celebrates its 80th anniversary next year,” and presented KRW 150 million to President Bae Sang-Hoon. CEO Park Pil-Seon of Seyeong Foods Co., Ltd. is an entrepreneur who has expanded the food-related business sector for over 40 years, leading Seyeong Foods Co., Ltd. to grow into one of Busan’s most prominent institutional catering service providers. The company currently operates services for schools and educational institutions, including Pukyong National University, and is recognized as a leading local enterprise. CEO Kim was also recently honored with a Distinguished Service Merit Award from Pukyong National University for her contributions. CEO Park Pil-Seon stated, “Even while managing the company, I had the privilege of attending excellent lectures every week through the Pukyong CEO Academy. It is especially meaningful to now join the university’s 80th anniversary celebration through this donation,” adding, “I hope this support helps students―our future―learn freely, pursue their ambitions, and contribute actively on the global stage.” Pukyong National University is carrying out a relay donation campaign ahead of its 80th founding anniversary next year. Following the KRW 300 million donation made by CEO Jeong Yong-Pyo of KAM Co., Ltd. on December 18 (the first contribution), CEO Park Pil-Seon has now joined the movement as the second contributor. Pukyong National University plans to use the collected development funds to support outstanding talent cultivation and academic research initiatives, as it advances toward becoming a research-focused, AI-driven, globally specialized and distinctive university.
Pukyong National University Students Directly Gather 84,000 Educational Improvement Suggestions- Final Report Presented by Student Planning and Evaluation Team on the 22nd; System Established to Collect Student FeedbackPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) hosted the Final Report Conference of the 7th Student Planning and Evaluation Group for the 2025 Academic Year on the afternoon of December 22 at Somin Hall in the Mirae-gwan (Future Building), sharing the university’s innovation achievements and progress made this year. The Student Planning and Evaluation Group at Pukyong National University is a student-led program that directly gathers undergraduate opinions on all aspects of university education. The initiative has been running since 2019, aiming to create a learner-centered, demand-driven curriculum by incorporating student perspectives into academic programs and university operations. The 7th Student Planning and Evaluation Group saw participation from 154 students forming 69 teams this year, collectively gathering 84,000 educational improvement suggestions, a significant increase from 23,000 suggestions collected last year. The 7th Student Planning and Evaluation Group conducted in-person interviews with a total of 1,440 students, including both Korean students and international students, while also identifying suggestions specific to the international student community. The interviews were carried out as in-depth sessions covering six categories using a structured, qualitative interview format: △General Education △Major Courses △Academic Administration △Co-Curricular Programs △Student Welfare, Support & Campus Environment △University Life and Academic Adaptation. The Educational Capacity Innovation Center under the Office of Education Innovation at Pukyong National University will analyze the collected data and publish the final results report this coming January, with plans to share the findings with all members of the university. The final conference on this day included presentations of activity reports and UCC(User-Created Content) produced by the evaluation group, awards for outstanding teams, issuance of certificates of completion, distribution of graduation certificates, and the screening of selected UCC works. Won Yong-Seon, Director of the Office of Education Innovation, stated, “The suggestions proposed by students will serve as valuable foundational data in establishing university policies, including curriculum restructuring and facility improvements,” and added, “We will continue advancing learner-centered educational innovation by expanding student participation in the future.”
CEO Jeong Yong-Pyo of KAM Co., Ltd. Donates KRW 300 Million to Pukyong National University for Its 80th Anniversary- Development Fund Delivery Ceremony Held on the 18th; Relay Donations Launched Ahead of the University’s 80th Founding Anniversary Next YearPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) held the Development Fund Delivery Ceremony for Dr. Jeong Yong-Pyo, CEO of KAM Co., Ltd. on the morning of December 18 at the reception room of the university’s main administration building. As an alumnus of Pukyong National University, Dr. Jeong Yong-Pyo became the first donor of the university’s 80th Anniversary Development Fund Donation Relay for his alma mater next year, presenting KRW 300 million to President Bae Sang-Hoon on this day to support the university’s innovation and future development. Dr. Jeong Yong-Pyo graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Pukyong National University in 1979. Since founding KAM Co., Ltd. in 1997, he has played a leading role in advancing South Korea’s aviation and aerospace industries by exporting aluminum and titanium aircraft components to global companies, including Boeing and Airbus. In addition, from 2019 to 2020, Dr. Jeong Yong-Pyo served as the 12th President of the Pukyong National University Alumni Association, successfully leading alumni networking events and contributing to alumni unity and the university’s advancement. In recognition of his contributions to national and regional industrial development, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from his alma mater this year. Prior to this donation, he has also actively supported a culture of giving, contributing KRW 21 million to Pukyong National University, KRW 10 million to the Kim Young-Sik Foundation for Multichild Birth Support, and KRW 20 million to Dong-A University Hospital, demonstrating continued leadership in expanding and promoting donation initiatives. Dr. Jeong Yong-Pyo said, “Since graduating and becoming recognized as a business leader, and later serving as alumni association president, I have always reflected on my responsibility to contribute to both the university and our society.” He continued, “I will continue offering my full support and encouragement, cheering on my alma mater as it grows into a key hub that cultivates future talent and drives Busan and national development as a strategic regional and national anchor institution.” Pukyong National University will continue the Donation Relay Campaign through next year, its 80th founding anniversary. The university plans to use the collected development funds to support exceptional talent development and academic research initiatives, as it advances toward becoming a research-focused university recognized for AI innovation and global specialization.
The Pukyong CEO Academy Fellows Association Donates KRW 100 Million to Pukyong National University- Development Fund Delivery Ceremony Held on the 17thThe Pukyong CEO Academy Fellows Association of Pukyong National University (Chairman Baek Nam-Yeol, CEO of Woori IT Co., Ltd.) donated KRW 100 million to the university’s development fund. On the afternoon of the same day, the association held the CEO Academy Class 1 Completion Ceremony and Development Fund Delivery Event at the Pukyong Convention Hall. During the ceremony, Chairman Baek Nam-Yeol presented KRW 100 million to President Bae Sang-Hoon, expressing hopes that the fund be used for the university’s continued growth and advancement. Chairman Baek Nam-Yeol stated, “The first-cohort fellows, who shared meaningful moments of new challenges and personal growth through Pukyong CEO Academy―one of the region’s finest leadership programs―came together, contributing bit by bit, to express their deep gratitude to the university.” Launched by Pukyong National University this year, the Pukyong CEO Academy is a premier executive program for regional opinion leaders. More than 60 distinguished local figures and business leaders have participated―including Alumni Association President Park Se-Ho, Chairman of Woo-Joo Sealing Systems Group―and weekly special lectures have been held every Wednesday evening. The Vice President for External Affairs and Dean of the Pukyong CEO Academy, Ha Myung-Shin, remarked, “The Pukyong CEO Academy has now firmly established itself as a collaborative and mutually beneficial leadership curriculum in which the university and regional opinion leaders work in close partnership for shared growth and sustainable development.” He added, “Building on the warm dedication of our fellows, we will further strengthen the university’s role as a central networking hub that supports regional and national progress.” Following the development fund delivery ceremony, Pukyong National University also held the chairman transition and resignation event, presenting a Merit Appreciation Plaque to Baek Nam-Yeol for his distinguished service. Lee Se-Young, CEO of Samsung Logistics Co., Ltd., was inaugurated as the next chairman of the fellows association.
Pukyong National University Unveils Rare Historical Materials for 80th Anniversary and 30th Year of Integration？ Historical Materials Contest Held: Photos of the Baekgyeong-ho (Pioneer of Korea’s Distant-Water Fishing), Handwritten School Song Manuscript by Poet Cho Byung-hwa, and More Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has released a collection of rare historical materials ahead of its 80th founding anniversary and the 30th anniversary of its merger next year. The university’s archives office held a historical materials collection contest over six months starting last May and recently announced the winning entries, which include original photos of deep-sea fishing training aboard the Baekgyeong-ho and a handwritten manuscript of the school anthem by poet Cho Byung-hwa. Among the winning entries, the 1967 photos of the deep-sea fishing training aboard the Baekgyeong-ho are original materials documenting maritime field training conducted since the era of Busan National Fisheries University, one of Pukyong National University’s predecessor institutions. In the 1960s, as deep-sea fishing emerged as one of Korea’s key industries, the government invested 0.1% of the national budget to construct Baekgyeong-ho, a new training vessel for the Busan Fisheries College, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. In 1966, Baekgyeong-ho, carrying student trainees, successfully conducted Korea’s first trial deep-sea fishing operation in the North Pacific, opening the door to Korea’s rise as a maritime powerhouse. The newly collected photograph captures the 1967 training voyage for deep-sea fishing and is regarded as a valuable historical resource not only for university education but also for the history of Korea’s deep-sea fishing industry. Also collected is the handwritten manuscript of renowned Korean lyric poet Cho Byung-hwa, who wrote the lyrics for Pukyong National University’s new school anthem in 1996, following the merger of Busan Fisheries College and Busan National University of Technology. This manuscript is the original version of the school anthem lyrics, written and sent by poet Cho Byung-hwa in a letter at the request of Professor Nam Song-woo from the Department of Korean Language and Literature. In his lyrics, Cho Byung-hwa captured the vibrant spirit of truth and youth to represent Pukyong National University. Alongside this, other selected items include the first issue of the Journal of Fisheries Science published in 1965 by the Fisheries Society of Busan Fisheries College, various publications and official documents from around the time of the 1996 merger, and a student council notebook from Busan National University of Technology. These materials are highly regarded for vividly illustrating campus life during the university’s consolidation period. Pukyong National University plans to digitize these collected items and utilize them as key content for historical exhibitions, research, and commemorative events.
Professor Lee Seong-il’s Research Team Proposes Measures to Reduce Seabird Bycatch on Distant-Water Fishing Vessels- Published in the international journal
Pukyong National University Selected for GKS-R&D Graduate Program Track- Intelligent Robotics and Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering Newly Added Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has once again been selected as a host university for the “2026？2028 Graduate Degree Program under the GKS-R&D Track,” administered by the National Institute for International Education. This marks a consecutive selection following the first phase of the program. The GKS Research and Development track is a full scholarship initiative funded by the Korean government, aimed at nurturing outstanding international researchers in high-tech and emerging industries. With this latest selection, Pukyong National University has secured additional admission quotas for 20 international students, 10 each in the Department of Intelligent Robotics Engineering and the Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering. Pukyong National University is currently hosting a total of 110 Global Korea Scholarship students, including 32 for language training, 23 undergraduates, 54 graduate students, and 1 researcher. This demonstrates Pukyong National University’s recognized capability in nurturing global talent through systematic support led by the Office of International Affairs. Students selected through this GKS-R&D program will receive full financial support from the Korean government, including one year of Korean language training, full tuition for the degree program, round-trip airfare, monthly living stipends, and health insurance, enabling them to complete their graduate studies in Korea. Following its recent designation as a Ministry of Justice “K-STAR Visa Track” university, Pukyong National University’s selection for this specialized GKS track further strengthens its ability to attract and train talented graduate students in science and engineering. The university plans to expand its comprehensive support system to facilitate not only successful academic completion but also post-graduation employment and settlement in Korea, including connections to domestic research institutions.
Pukyong National University Launches Integrated Bachelor’s-Master’s-Doctoral Program with Full Scholarships- Accelerated Pathway to Ph.D. in Six Years; Expanded Graduate Student SupportPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has announced the launch of an Integrated Bachelor’s-Master’s-Doctoral Program and will provide full tuition waivers to participating students, marking a bold step in supporting graduate education. Starting in the second semester of the 2026 academic year, Pukyong National University will implement this program, enabling students to earn a doctoral degree in as little as six years. Prestigious universities, including Seoul National University, have already adopted similar systems. Notably, students enrolled in the program will receive full tuition waivers for up to 10 semesters: four semesters during the undergraduate program (starting from the third year), three semesters for the master’s program, and three semesters for the doctoral program. Based on engineering program tuition rates, this translates to a scholarship benefit exceeding KRW 24 million. Pukyong National University already provides full scholarships to students in its integrated bachelor’s-master’s program and operates over 20 scholarship programs funded by initiatives such as the BK21 Project, the National University Development Project, and the university’s own budget. Outstanding graduate students receive scholarship support ranging from KRW 300,000 to over KRW 8 million per semester. The number of applicants for the bachelor’s-master’s integrated program has been steadily increasing each year. Pukyong National University is expanding graduate student support as part of its efforts to strengthen its status as a leading research-centered university in the Busan region. The university currently ranks first among national universities in Korea in terms of research funding per full-time faculty member (as of August 2025, public disclosure data). Meanwhile, Pukyong National University will accept additional applications for graduate programs for the 2026 academic year in mid-January. Applications for the newly established Integrated Bachelor’s-Master’s-Doctoral Program, which will begin in the second semester of 2026, are expected to open around May next year.
Pukyong National University Selected as a Participating University in the Ministry of Justice’s ‘K-STAR Visa Track’- Plaque Award Ceremony Held on the 5th … Boosting Global Talent Recruitment as a Research-Oriented UniversityPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has been designated as a participating institution in the “K-STAR Visa Track” program hosted by the Ministry of Justice. On December 5, the Ministry of Justice held a certificate award ceremony for the designated universities at the Government Complex in Gwacheon. The “K-STAR Visa Track” is a system that promotes permanent residency and naturalization for outstanding foreign master’s and doctoral talents in the field of science and technology. Previously limited to five science and technology institutes such as KAIST, the program has now been expanded to include major general universities across the country. The core of this system lies in granting residency (F-2) status based solely on a recommendation letter from the university president. International students pursuing or expected to earn a master’s or doctoral degree who are recommended by the university president will be granted residency status. After three years of residency, they will be eligible to apply for permanent residency (F-5) or special naturalization. Since it typically takes at least six years for general international students to obtain F-5 status, this program is considered a groundbreaking benefit for attracting outstanding international students. The Ministry of Justice has designated 25 universities nationwide, including Pukyong National University, as participants in the newly expanded K-STAR Visa Track program. The selection process involved a comprehensive evaluation across three areas: international student management capability, the current state of international education, and plans for managing and supporting outstanding talent. The designation is valid for three years, starting in 2026. With its selection as a K-STAR Visa Track university, Pukyong National University is expected to gain momentum in attracting global talent. The university aims to establish a residency-based research ecosystem in which excellent international students can conduct research in a stable environment and eventually settle in Korea, further solidifying its position as a leading research-oriented university in the region.
Pukyong National University Identifies Key Mechanism of ‘Hadley Circulation,’ a Longstanding Climate Science Challenge？ Professor Moon Woo-seok’s Research Team Reveals Mid-Latitude Storms as the Cause of Tropical ExpansionA new explanation has been proposed for why the Hadley cell―a fundamental component of Earth’s climate system―is expanding toward the poles. Professor Moon Woo-seok from the Department of Environmental Atmospheric Sciences at Pukyong National University and his research team have revealed that mid-latitude storms, also known as baroclinic eddies, are the main cause of this phenomenon, which has long been considered one of climate science’s great mysteries. The Hadley cell is a large-scale atmospheric circulation system composed of rising air in the tropics and sinking air in the subtropics. It plays a crucial role in shaping global precipitation patterns, desert formation, and the position of jet streams. Although observations and models over the past few decades have consistently shown that the boundary of the Hadley cell is shifting poleward, the cause of this phenomenon has remained unclear. The dominant explanation until now has been the 1980 Held & Hou model, but it fails to account for the critical role of mid-latitude storms in the actual atmosphere. Professor Moon extended this classical theory by incorporating the heat and momentum transport of mid-latitude storms and, for the first time, proposed an energy-based mechanism that determines the expansion and contraction of the Hadley circulation. According to the study, when mid-latitude storms transport more energy into the mid-latitudes, the Hadley cell contracts and strengthens; conversely, when less energy is transported, the Hadley cell expands toward the poles and weakens. As global warming progresses, the frequency and intensity of mid-latitude storms are decreasing, weakening the energy transport from the equator to the mid-latitudes―this is presumed to be driving the expansion of the Hadley circulation. This finding clearly demonstrates that changes in the Hadley cell are not merely a tropical issue but are closely linked to mid-latitude weather systems. Professor Moon Woo-seok’s research clearly demonstrates that changes in midlatitude storms may become a key driver of future tropical expansion. Since variations in the Hadley circulation directly impact major climate factors such as global precipitation patterns, the expansion of drought-prone regions, and shifts in jet streams, this newly proposed mechanism carries significant implications for future predictions in the era of climate change. Professor Moon published the findings in two papers titled ‘Influence of Baroclinic Eddies on the Hadley Cell Edge’ and ‘Midlatitude Interactions Expand the Hadley Circulation’, which were recently featured in the prestigious international journals