InterviewJeonbuk National University builds physical AI lab to keep students from leaving for Seoul

Jeonbuk National University President Yang O-bong speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the university's main building in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, May 19. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Jeonbuk National University is trying to reverse a pattern that has long defined regional higher education in Korea: training talented students who leave for the capital.

The university in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, is positioning itself as a regional innovation hub, banking on physical artificial intelligence (AI), future mobility and industry-academia collaboration to attract talent, researchers and businesses into the region rather than losing them to opportunities in the capital.

University President Yang O-bong said the effort reflects the government's initiative to strengthen regional flagship universities — commonly known as the "making 10 Seoul National Universities" plan. Under this plan, the Ministry of Education will select three universities in the second half of this year and provide each with 100 billion won ($66.5 million) annually for five years.

Yang argued the program should be seen as more than just another higher education funding — it is a national strategy for balanced regional development, anchored by globally competitive universities.

“Regional universities have largely served as pipelines sending talented students to Seoul and the capital region,” Yang said during a recent interview with The Korea Times, May 19. “For Jeonbuk National University, this initiative is fundamentally about reversing the outflow of talent.”

Being selected, he said, would mark a turning point — transforming the university into a magnet for talent, industry and investment.

The university has already taken steps toward that vision through the Glocal University 30 project. Central to the effort is its JUIC (Jeonbuk University-Industry-City) Triangle strategy, which connects campuses in Jeonju and nearby cities Iksan and Jeongeup as well as the Saemangeum area with local industries to create a unified university-industry-city model. The initiative has helped attract more than 160 billion won in research funding while strengthening links between education, research and industry.

To strengthen both global research competitiveness and regional economic development, the university has identified physical AI, next-generation energy and advanced biotechnology as its three flagship research areas.

Yang said the government's initiative is ultimately aimed at building regional innovation ecosystems where universities and local industries grow together.

“Regional universities can become globally competitive institutions when they are closely linked with local industries,” he said. “Anchor companies can drive regional growth, attract talent and investment, and create a virtuous cycle that benefits both the local economy and higher education.”

A researcher demonstrates robotic technology at Jeonbuk National University's Physical AI Test Lab, May 19. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Focus on physical AI

Among the university’s strategic focus areas, Yang highlighted physical AI-based mobility as a field with particularly strong growth potential. It is closely aligned with Hyundai Motor Group’s planned 9 trillion won investment in Saemangeum and could serve as a catalyst for broader advances in robotics, autonomous driving and smart manufacturing.

Yang explained that the convergence of future mobility and AI-powered robotics presents a major opportunity for collaboration between the university and industry, as the technologies closely match Jeonbuk’s emerging industrial priorities and Hyundai Motor Group's long-term investment strategy.

The university has also taken a leading role in North Jeolla Province's AI transformation initiative. As part of the first phase of the project, it secured 21.9 billion won in government funding to establish an 846-square-meter Physical AI Proof-of-Concept Manufacturing Technology Lab, where local manufacturers can test and validate physical AI technologies before deploying them in real-world production environments.

The project has already attracted attention from key government officials, including President Lee Jae Myung.

“The visits by key government leaders reaffirmed the government's strong determination to foster Jeonbuk as a core base for the future physical AI industry,” Yang said.

A robot operates at Jeonbuk National University's Physical AI Test Lab, May 19. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Global partnership

The university is also seeking to strengthen its global research footprint through international partnerships. In March this year, it established the JBNU-Purdue Research Institute with Purdue University, a leading U.S. research institution known for its strengths in engineering and technology. The institute will facilitate joint research projects, researcher exchanges and talent development programs between the two universities.

Yang said the partnership represents an important step in the university’s efforts to raise its global research profile and expand its international network.

“We believe the institute will accelerate the university’s transformation into a globally competitive flagship university,” he said. “Our goal is not only to contribute to regional development, but also to grow into a global hub university that enhances Korea’s national competitiveness.”

Jeonbuk National University is also expanding its role in the defense sector. This year, it launched the country's first undergraduate Department of Advanced Defense Industry, admitting 20 students in its inaugural class.

The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining AI, robotics, aerospace engineering, advanced materials, cybersecurity, defense policy and management. It also emphasizes project-based learning and industry internships through partnerships with major defense contractors, including Korea Aerospace Industries, LIG Nex1, Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha.

“Because defense education has largely been limited to graduate programs, it has been difficult to supply the industry with enough practice-oriented professionals,” Yang said. “Our university is presenting a new model by systematically training defense talent from the undergraduate level.”

Students study in a lounge at the library of Jeonbuk National University, May 19. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Building regional ecosystem

He also emphasized that close cooperation with local governments is essential to building an ecosystem that connects education, research, employment and long-term settlement in regional communities.

“Such a model cannot be achieved by universities alone and requires close collaboration with local governments and industry,” Yang said.

The president cited efforts by Jeonbuk Province and the Jeonju City Government to expand affordable housing and improve living conditions, alongside major investments in advanced industries that are expected to generate high-quality jobs and support long-term regional growth.

“We have an ecosystem that connects higher education, industrial development and long-term settlement, creating a virtuous cycle for both the university and the region,” he said.

“These conditions give our university a strong foundation to serve as a model for the government's vision of region-led growth. By fostering regional development, we can ultimately contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the country as a whole.”

Graphic by Bae So-young