InterviewHUFS nurtures global talent, bridging nations through language and innovation

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies President Park Jeong-woon speaks at the campus main building in Dongdaemun District, Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) is redefining its role — evolving beyond a language-focused institution to become a global talent incubator, blending linguistic expertise with emerging technologies and strengthening its international alumni network.

HUFS President Park Jeong-woon underscored the school’s efforts to transition from a provider-centered to a learner-centered model, with the aim of helping students more effectively pursue their individual aspirations.

"We’re focusing more on what students truly need — creating an environment where they can explore and pursue their own dreams," Park said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. "Learner-centered education allows students to define their own paths. Our university is building programs that integrate language and technology to help students grow into globally competitive, cross-disciplinary experts."

HUFS was honored with the "Most Innovative Project" award in the 2024 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), following a sweeping academic overhaul that merged overlapping language majors and introduced new departments in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and climate change.

"The traditional identity of HUFS lies in foreign languages studies, but we’re embracing change to help students pursue bigger dreams and design careers that meet the demands of a rapidly changing world," Park said.

"A semiconductor expert fluent in Hungarian or a climate change specialist who speaks German — these are the kinds of interdisciplinary experts we aim to develop," he added.

Park emphasized that by integrating the university’s strengths in language and regional studies with advanced technical training, students are better positioned to become globally competitive professionals.

Reflecting its broad network of partnerships spanning 102 countries, the university was ranked No. 1 globally in the “Support for Global Resilience” category in the 2024 WURI.

Students from around the world hold their national flags during the annual "Culture Expo" at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies' Seoul campus, April 18. Courtesy of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Bridging Korea and the world

The university is not only committed to preparing Korean students for the global stage, but also to cultivating international students as future bridges between Korea and the world.

Currently, the university hosts 3,586 international students from 100 countries, reflecting a high level of cultural and national diversity. As a university specializing in linguistics and area studies, HUFS naturally attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds, further enriching its global campus community.

The university also offers a wide range of tailored programs designed to help international students integrate into campus life from the moment they arrive through to their post-graduation career paths, while also fostering a natural connection with Korean society.

Newly admitted international undergraduates, exchange students and visiting scholars receive comprehensive orientation programs and specialized seminars covering key topics such as academic policies, campus safety, immigration procedures and visa regulations. Additional support through buddy programs, campus tours and cultural activities helps foster a sense of belonging and eases students’ transition into campus life.

The Global Mentoring Program is a cornerstone initiative that pairs international students with domestic peers for one-on-one guidance throughout their university experience. It also facilitates mentoring among students of the same nationality, offering additional emotional and linguistic support.

A foreign professor leads a debate session in class at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies’ Seoul campus in this undated photo. Courtesy of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Recognizing the importance of career development for international students seeking long-term opportunities in Korea, the university offers specialized programs tailored to their needs. These include workshops on resumes and cover letters, mock interviews, company information sessions and access to job fairs.

"Bold support policies are needed to help international students with a strong affinity for Korea settle in the country," Park said.

Under the current system, most international students receive a six-month D-10 job-seeking visa after graduation. But many, confronted with the difficulty of finding work within this narrow timeframe, are ultimately forced to return home despite their aspirations to stay and build careers in Korea.

Park noted that while international student recruitment is often viewed as a response to declining university enrollment, it should be seen as a strategic solution to Korea’s shrinking working-age population amid a rapidly aging society and low birthrates.

"To encourage these students to remain in Korea and contribute to society, the government and universities must implement active support programs, such as employment-linked initiatives and internships with local companies," he added.

International and Korean students pose in front of the university's initials at the Seoul campus of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Courtesy of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

With a diverse body of international students, HUFS has established student councils composed entirely of international students, providing them with a platform to represent their interests and communicate with the university administration.

"These student organizations not only help international students adjust to campus life, but also serve as important channels for voicing their concerns and amplifying perspectives that are often underrepresented," Park said.

The university’s international student council is divided into four distinct groups reflecting the diversity of its student body. The International Student Organization supports short-term, visiting and exchange students, while the Global Student Association represents degree-seeking international students. The Chinese Student Organization serves the university’s largest national group, and the Global Campus Foreign Student Association supports students at the university's Global Campus in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

While HUFS is widely known for its strength in language education, Park emphasized that language learning at the university is viewed as a foundational skill for students aiming to pursue careers in diplomacy and international trade.

"As our slogan goes, 'Come to HUFS, Meet the World' — many of our alumni are currently serving as ambassadors or working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international organizations around the globe," he said.

The university maintains a network of roughly 40 overseas alumni associations that serve as vital links between Korea and the international community. Park noted that these global networks are valuable not only to the university but also as a national asset.

"With so many international students studying at HUFS, we plan to expand our alumni networks to include them as well, enabling them to play a meaningful role in advancing international cooperation on a national level," he added.

Graphic by Bae So-young, Cho Sang-won