Handong Global University creates integrated campus culture for students

Handong Global University President Choi Do-soung speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the university's main building in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, Sept. 4. Courtesy of Handong Global University

Reflecting its name, Handong Global University has grown into one of Korea’s most vibrant campuses, with an active residential community where students from more than 60 countries study, live and socialize together. From its unique dormitory system to a curriculum deeply rooted in global citizenship, the university is redefining internationalization in higher education.

“Our vision is to become a global education platform that takes responsibility for every stage, from admission to postgraduation,” said President Choi Do-soung in an interview with The Korea Times.

One of the university’s most distinctive traits is its highly residential campus, with nearly 90 percent of students living in dormitories. Unlike most universities that separate local and international students, Handong integrates them into the same residence colleges to create a setting where learning and living blend together seamlessly.

“Handong’s greatest strength in globalization lies not in creating separate programs for international students, but in designing a system where Korean and international students naturally integrate in every aspect of academic and campus life,” Choi said.

The university emphasizes that its project-based learning courses pair Korean and international students in mixed teams, encouraging collaboration that builds both character and practical problem-solving skills.

Among them, the Global Convergence Studies program stands out as a hallmark of the university’s innovations — an all-English track that lets students design their own interdisciplinary majors that align with their passions and career aspirations. The approach, the university notes, reflects Handong’s commitment to creating an inclusive classroom where every student learns and leads on equal terms.

The campus culture is equally inclusive, extending beyond the classroom to every corner of student life. Clubs and academic societies operate without barriers, fostering genuine cross-cultural exchange.

The university’s global choir performs at major events, uniting voices from around the world, while athletic teams like the Holy Rams, an American football club, bring Korean and international students together through teamwork and shared enthusiasm for sports.

A Handong Global University student takes part in a volunteer education program in Africa as part of the university’s Global Engagement Mobilization program. Courtesy of Handong Global University

The university’s research culture also reflects its international focus.

“While many universities remain confined to lab-centered research, Handong’s greatest strength lies in its model where professors and students work together in real global settings to address local challenges and produce tangible research outcomes,” Choi said.

As part of this vision, the university operates several signature programs that merge research with real-world impact.

Through UNITWIN, a UNESCO-affiliated international university network, the university collaborates with partner institutions around the world to conduct joint research that contributes to achieving the U.N.’s sustainable development goals.

The Global Engagement Mobilization program gives students the opportunity to identify social challenges in overseas communities and tackle them through hands-on research and fieldwork. Similarly, under faculty supervision, the Global Rotation Program brings together student teams to work with global companies, local universities and NGOs on practical problem-solving projects.

“These systems are possible because most of our professors have long been involved in ODA (official development assistance) projects and field-based education, giving them established international research sites and projects of their own,” Choi said.

As a result, approximately 38.7 percent of the university’s faculty publications are products of international collaboration, and the university’s field-weighted citation impact stands at 1.11, exceeding the global average — a testament to the quality and influence of its research output.

Students walk outside a lecture hall at Handong Global University's campus in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Handong Global University

Choi also stressed that the university’s vision goes beyond simply attracting international students — it is about cultivating global leaders who can drive meaningful change in their home countries.

“Based on this philosophy, the Handong Cornerstone Scholarship provides full support for four years, covering tuition, dormitory, living expenses and meals,” he said. “The goal is to help outstanding students from developing nations return home and become true cornerstones — leaders who transform their communities and societies.”

Since its launch in 2009, the scholarship has supported 1,373 students from developing countries around the world.

In addition, since 2015, the university has partnered with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to operate a graduate program for government officials and public sector workers from developing countries, helping them apply Korea’s development experience to their own national contexts.

Many of Handong’s graduates have gone on to work for global nongovernmental organizations and groups such as the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, as well as major Korean law firms and international development agencies, reflecting the university’s growing influence as a training ground for globally minded professionals.

Students attend a class taught in English at Handong Global University in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of Handong Global University

Handong Global University is also playing a pivotal role in driving the globalization of its home city, Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province, through its participation in the government’s Glocal University 30 initiative. The city is preparing to open the new Pohang International Exhibition and Convention Center as a hub for hosting international events and fostering a global environment.

The university is working closely with the city to support major global gatherings such as the World Green Growth Forum and the Pohang Global Expo, not only contributing to the success of these events but also helping to establish Pohang as a center for global cultural and academic exchange.

Choi noted a growing trend among international students, who are increasingly drawn to Korea’s culture and industries, leading to higher demand for postgraduation employment opportunities within the country. Reflecting this shift, the university has strengthened its position by maintaining an English-based global education while enhancing its focus on Korean language learning.

Ultimately, Choi emphasized that the university’s approach to globalization is not about numbers but about values.

“Our vision is to establish a sustainable model of global education that nurtures students into competent leaders wherever they go — individuals who contribute meaningfully to their nations and to the global community,” he said.

Graphic by Bae So-young