Kim Dong-hwan, president of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the university's campus in Nowon District, Seoul, April 2. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) is doubling down on its identity as a practice-oriented institution, pushing to train graduate-level researchers in advanced fields and position itself as the go-to partner for Korean industry.
President Kim Dong-hwan, who took office in December 2023, has centered his agenda on education innovation, stronger research capacity, deeper industry-academia cooperation and an expanded startup ecosystem.
“SeoulTech is reinforcing a system where research outcomes translate into technology transfer and commercialization, drawing on its strengths in applied research and industry collaboration to build a university model that contributes to industrial development and national competitiveness,” Kim said during a recent interview with The Korea Times.
“To produce top-tier engineers in advanced fields — particularly semiconductors and AI (artificial intelligence) — training must extend beyond the undergraduate level to graduate education,” he said, emphasizing that the university’s core strategy is to supply industry with people equipped with the right skills at the right time.
At the same time, SeoulTech views attracting high-caliber global talent as central to its competitiveness. This goal extends beyond just getting international students to graduation, but steering them into Korea's industrial workforce and supporting their long-term settlement.
In line with its vision of becoming a university chosen by both industry and students, SeoulTech is pushing ahead with a project to establish a joint advanced research and training center with Gyeonggi Mechanical Technical High School.
The plan involves building a 29 billion won ($19.58 million) facility on idle land owned by the high school, aimed at creating an “employment-first, education-later” model that links vocational training with higher education.
Under the initiative, high school students will gain hands-on experience by operating humanoid robots and semiconductor equipment developed by the university researchers, exposing them to advanced technologies early on.
“The university needs research space, while students need opportunities to experiment and gain practical experience. This initiative can create a mutually beneficial structure,” Kim said. “It will also establish a pathway for technical high school students to test university-developed technologies, enter the workforce and return for further studies when needed.”
Source: Korea Times News
