Seoul National University joins hands with Jeonbuk National University for global education program

Seoul National University's campus entrance in Seoul / Courtesy of Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU) and Jeonbuk National University signed a memorandum of understanding Monday to jointly operate the Joint Seoul National University in the World Program (SWP).

According to an SNU official, the two schools held a ceremony at SNU’s Office of International Affairs and was attended by representatives from Jeonbuk National University. The agreement was signed in the names of both universities’ presidents.

“The partnership marks SNU’s first Joint SWP initiative with a national flagship university and paves the way for both institutions to co-administer the Joint SWP in China program beginning in the 2025 winter semester,” an official said in a press release.

“The agreement will establish the institutional foundation for sustained collaboration on future joint SWP offerings.”

The Joint SWP in China program drew significant interest from students. SNU received 60 applications for 20 spots, achieving a 3:1 admission ratio, while Jeonbuk National University saw 102 applications for 20 places, reflecting a competitive 5:1 ratio.

Under the jointly developed curriculum, selected students will begin with a week of training on SNU’s campus this month.

Following this orientation, participants will travel to Shanghai and Shenzhen, China, for a two-week immersive program featuring company visits, industry-focused lectures and hands-on activities analyzing the global business environment.

SNU plans to build on this collaboration by strengthening ties with other national flagship universities and expanding joint SWP offerings. The university aims to enhance inter-university cooperation and extend its global education platform beyond this initial partnership.

“The initiative could serve as a new milestone for sharing educational resources and fostering mutual growth beyond traditional boundaries between universities,” SNU President Ryu Hong-lim said in a press release.

Jeonbuk National University President Yang O-bong also expressed hope that students would “experience dynamic innovation first-hand and embrace the value of learning and progressing together” through participation in the program.