Education minister vows to lift Korea among top 10 study destinations

Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin delivers a congratulatory speech during the 2025 Korea Times Global Conference titled "Beyond Borders: Strengthening Global Competitiveness of Korean Universities," at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

The government will create an environment where international students can pursue both study and stable living in Korea, as the country aims to rank among the world's top 10 destinations for international education, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin said Wednesday.

Speaking at the 2025 Korea Times Global Conference titled "Beyond Borders: Strengthening Global Competitiveness of Korean Universities," Choi said the government is working to create a "virtuous cycle" for foreign students — one that supports their academic ambitions while helping them build stable lives in Korea.

"As the government has made attracting and supporting skilled workers in cutting-edge fields a key national priority, it will place particular focus on bringing in more outstanding international students in science and engineering,” the minister said in his congratulatory remarks.

He said Korean universities have been gaining growing recognition, with Seoul recently topping the Best Student Cities Ranking for 2026 by QS, a global higher education analytics firm.

"The education ministry will work closely with other ministries, local governments and universities to make Korea a more attractive choice for global skilled workers," Choi said.

The conference, held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Seoul, brought together senior government officials, university leaders, global education experts and foreign envoys to explore strategies for strengthening Korea's global standing in higher education.

In a video address, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said Korea can rise as a successful player amid intensifying competition for highly skilled foreign workers.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok delivers congratulatory remarks in a video address during the 2025 Korea Times Global Conference at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

"I have attended universities in the United States, China and Korea, experiencing a variety of educational systems along the way," Kim said. "Through this experience, I came to realize that Korea's soft power is strong, and if our universities focus on developing global competencies, Korean higher education could become a model that attracts attention worldwide."

He highlighted government efforts to boost global competitiveness through support initiatives bringing together local governments, universities and the business sector, as well as expanded student exchange programs and increased investment in joint research with other countries.

Korea Times Chairman Seung Myung-ho said in his opening remarks, "Today's conference is not merely a one-time event. It marks the starting point of Korea's long journey toward internationalization of universities, providing a platform to address the complex challenges we face and to pool our shared wisdom in addressing them."

Singaporean Ambassador-designate to Korea Wong Kai Jiun gives a congratulatory speech during the 2025 Korea Times Global Conference at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

In his congratulatory speech, Singaporean Ambassador-designate to Korea Wong Kai Jiun said exchange between Korean and Singaporean students is mutually beneficial.

"Singapore, like the Republic of Korea, recognizes that because the world is constantly changing, our higher education sector, too, must continually evolve in order to remain competitive, fit for purpose and ready to meet future challenges," he said.

Vu Ho, Vietnamese ambassador to Korea, called for measures to better support Vietnamese students, who make up one of the largest international student communities in Korea, highlighting their diligence and adaptability.

"If we nurture their strengths, address their weakness and create enabling policies, I am confident that they will emerge as leaders of innovation, ambassadors of friendship and builder of sustainable development," he said.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea Vu Ho gives a congratulatory speech during the 2025 Korea Times Global Conference at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Higher education experts at the forum underscored the importance of investment and innovation.

In his keynote speech, Jung Min-chul, a partner at Samil PwC, described global competitiveness as “the foundation of national power,” urging Korean universities to focus on cultivating skilled workers, advancing research and strengthening their international reputation.

Jeroen Prinsen, executive director of APAC at QS, outlined strategies for Korean universities to climb higher in global rankings, stressing stronger industry ties and expanded international partnerships.

Two panel discussions gathered government officials and experts to examine ways to attract skilled foreign students and support their career development.

The first, moderated by Byun Ki-yong, director of higher education policy research institute of Korea University, focused on attracting and supporting international students.

Panelists included Shin Mee-kyung, director of education globalization division of the education ministry; Yang Jae-wan, dean of the Korean Association of Foreign Student Administrators; Hire Diversity CEO Shim Hwa-young; and Pusan National University professor Robert Kelly.

Participants attend the 2025 Korea Times Global Conference at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

The second session, led by Jung of Samil PwC, examined how to empower international students and open career pathways in Korea. Speakers included Kim Han-sung, vice president for international affairs of Hanyang University; BNC Global CEO Jaha Zoda; Careertus CEO Ocean Yang; and Maki Yuzon, Philippine sales team leader of SBI Cosmoney.

As part of its efforts to advance the discussion, The Korea Times will release a new evaluation of 54 local universities on Sept. 24. The report will assess whether these institutions can forge a sustainable model of internationalization amid demographic decline, financial strain and intensifying competition for talent.