{"id":17562,"date":"2025-12-03T20:55:55","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T11:55:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kramerconsult.kr\/?p=17562"},"modified":"2025-12-03T20:57:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T11:57:39","slug":"korean-universities-are-stepping-up-for-international-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kramerconsult.kr\/nl\/korean-universities-are-stepping-up-for-international-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Korean Universities Are Stepping Up for International Students"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A new reality \u2014 and a growing opportunity for foreign students. <\/em><\/p>\n\n

Korea’s higher-education landscape is changing rapidly. For years, universities have welcomed international students, but the tone of the discussion is shifting. The leadership of several major universities has now openly stated that global talent is not just a nice addition \u2014 it is becoming essential for the future of Korean higher education and research.<\/p>\n\n

In recent months, multiple university presidents have spoken with unusual clarity about this. Their message is consistent:
Korean universities can no longer rely on domestic students alone, and the academic environment must adapt so international students can genuinely succeed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Below is an overview of what key university leaders are saying, followed by what this means for future international students \u2014 in straightforward terms.<\/p>\n

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Chungbuk National University (CBNU)<\/a>: \u201cWe cannot survive without foreign brainpower.\u201d<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

In an interview with The Korea Times<\/em>, CBNU president Koh Chang-seop<\/strong> stated:<\/p>\n\n

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\u201cWe are reaching a point where it will be impossible to survive without foreign brainpower, and that means creating an academic culture that truly supports international students, not just welcoming them in name only.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

CBNU is currently expanding English-medium courses, strengthening research environments, and connecting students to lab-based projects tied to industry. The university emphasizes that support should not end at the admissions office \u2014 students must find proper guidance, academic structure, and real opportunities during their studies.<\/p>\n

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University of Seoul (UOS)<\/a>: \u201cWe must embrace inclusiveness.\u201d<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

In another recent interview, the president of the University of Seoul, Won Yong-kul<\/strong>, underlined a similar point:<\/p>\n\n

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\u201cWe must understand diverse cultures, embrace inclusiveness and contribute to the international community as a developed country.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

UOS has historically been modest in international recruitment, but the university now clearly recognizes the need to globalize its campus. Their focus is on cultivating an environment where Korean and international students can work together and prepare for careers that increasingly cross borders.<\/p>\n

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Seoul National University (SNU)<\/a>: Globalization as the foundation, not an extra<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

At Seoul National University, president Ryu Hong-lim<\/strong> described globalization as core to the university\u2019s future mission:<\/p>\n\n

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Global engagement should not be treated as an additional option or a side project. It must be embedded into the university\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

SNU emphasizes cooperation with institutions worldwide and aims to educate \u201cglobal citizens.\u201d The university describes international students as active contributors to this mission, not simply guests on campus.<\/p>\n

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Regional universities: demographic reality is pushing change<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Several regional universities have made similar statements in the Korean press.
The message is straightforward:<\/p>\n\n