Hansei University seeks joint growth with local community through flexible academic framework
Baik In-ja, president of Hansei University, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at Hansei University in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, May 14. Courtesy of Hansei University
Hansei University is breaking down departmental barriers to foster adaptable, interdisciplinary talent by restructuring its academic framework. The university seeks to encourage convergence and cooperation among different fields of study, preparing students to excel in a rapidly changing society.
"Our goal is to nurture convergent talents and individuals who can take on leading roles in the local community," Baik In-ja, president of Hansei University, said in a recent interview with The Korea Times.
Baik highlighted the nationwide crisis confronting universities, stemming from the dwindling school-age population attributed to low birthrates. In response, she stated that Hansei University is striving to lead in adapting to the rapidly changing educational environment.
To foster talented individuals who can contribute to the local community, it is focusing on giving students more opportunities to explore their academic interests and future career paths.
The university has established a task force dedicated to implementing a system allowing students to choose their majors freely, even after enrollment. This initiative aims to help students select the optimal major, curriculum and career path, providing flexibility for those who enter without a chosen major.
Most students apply to universities with a predetermined major in Korea. While it is possible to change majors after enrollment, students must meet specific credit requirements, with some departments restricting transfers entirely.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Education announced an initiative in March to expand the system allowing students to choose any major autonomously starting from their second year.
Following the ministry’s announcement, Hansei University plans to admit 51 students, representing 10 percent of its admissions quota for all majors except theology and nursing, without requiring them to declare a major.
"Even within our university, unnecessary barriers between majors have made it difficult for students to switch fields," Baik said.
"We need to break those walls boldly."
The front gate and a campus building of Hansei University / Courtesy of Hansei University
Baik outlined the university's first goal: eliminating excessive regulations to encourage more engaged learning and facilitate early graduation for students pursuing expedited pathways to their future careers.
She emphasized that reorganizing the school system through integrated bachelor's and master's programs, as well as master's and doctoral programs, would help students make the most of their time and money, preparing them to be more competent members of society.
"We believe students should have the option to enter without declaring a major and choose their field of interest after one or two years of study," she said.
"Even for those who enter with a decided major, we aim to make it easier to switch fields. This is the direction we should pursue."
Baik also noted that Hansei University's small size is an advantage for innovation. She said that larger institutions and long-established majors can easily face significant limitations when pursuing change.
"Our smaller scale puts us in a very favorable position to achieve innovation," she said.
Participants of Baby Boomer Happy Campus, a lifelong learning program for baby boomers, pose at a lecture room of Hansei University. Courtesy of Hansei University
Furthermore, Hansei University is strengthening its ties with the local community through the Regional Innovation System and Education (RISE) project, which aims to promote the joint growth of the university and the local area.
As a medium-sized Evangelical Christian institution affiliated with Yoido Full Gospel Church and located in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, Hansei University is committed to fostering mutual growth.
"Through this project, we will gather our wisdom and resources to address contemporary challenges such as regional decline due to population cliffs and the reduction in school-age populations," Baik said.
Hansei University is actively engaged in multiple projects in collaboration with Gunpo. One standout initiative is the upcoming launch of Gunpo City Youth Space Flying, set to open in July.
As the first youth space in the area, it aims to connect young people with various activities and opportunities while offering support for self-development. Key features will include spaces for communication, support and incubation, as well as labs and club rooms dedicated to youth empowerment.
Additionally, the university is operating the Gunpo Baby Boomer Happy Campus, a lifelong learning hub developed in partnership with Gyeonggi Province and Gunpo.
This initiative provides comprehensive services, including counseling, education, job support and community engagement activities, aimed at helping individuals born between 1955 and 1974 successfully transition into the next phase of their lives.
"I am confident that this will become a hub for collective learning, offering opportunities for successful life redesign and social participation activities for the middle-aged and elderly," the president said.
Baik In-ja, fifth from left, president of Hansei University, poses with faculty members and officials of Hansei University after a vision declaration ceremony, May 14. Courtesy of Hansei University
Hansei University held a vision declaration ceremony on May 14 by unveiling its ambitious plan for 2030, celebrating its 71st anniversary.
The university's vision, "Soar High Toward the Glorious Centennial," underscores its commitment to becoming a spiritual center driving regional growth through innovation and bold challenges.
"Our ultimate goal is to nurture individuals who will make meaningful contributions to society, guided by Christian principles and equipped with expertise in advanced convergence studies," Baik said.
She also emphasized the importance of this vision in shaping the university's identity as an institution dedicated to imparting life wisdom to its students.