InterviewSeoulTech bets on industry-embedded campus model to stand out in AI era

Kim Dong-hwan, president of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the university's campus in Nowon District, Seoul, April 2. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) is doubling down on its identity as a practice-oriented institution, pushing to train graduate-level researchers in advanced fields and position itself as the go-to partner for Korean industry.

SeoulTech President Kim Dong-hwan, who took office in December 2023, has centered his agenda on education innovation, stronger research capacity, deeper industry-academia cooperation and an expanded startup ecosystem.

“SeoulTech is reinforcing a system where research outcomes translate into technology transfer and commercialization, drawing on its strengths in applied research and industry collaboration to build a university model that contributes to industrial development and national competitiveness,” Kim said during a recent interview with The Korea Times.

“To produce top-tier engineers in advanced fields — particularly semiconductors and AI (artificial intelligence) — training must extend beyond the undergraduate level to graduate education,” he said, emphasizing that the university’s core strategy is to supply industry with people equipped with the right skills at the right time.

At the same time, SeoulTech views attracting high-caliber global talent as central to its competitiveness. This goal extends beyond just getting international students to graduation, but steering them into Korea's industrial workforce and supporting their long-term settlement.

In line with its vision of becoming a university chosen by both industry and students, SeoulTech is pushing ahead with a project to establish a joint advanced research and training center with Gyeonggi Mechanical Technical High School.

The plan involves building a 29 billion won ($19.58 million) facility on idle land owned by the high school, aimed at creating an “employment-first, education-later” model that links vocational training with higher education.

Under the initiative, high school students will gain hands-on experience by operating humanoid robots and semiconductor equipment developed by the university researchers, exposing them to advanced technologies early on.

“The university needs research space, while students need opportunities to experiment and gain practical experience. This initiative can create a mutually beneficial structure,” Kim said. “It will also establish a pathway for technical high school students to test university-developed technologies, enter the workforce and return for further studies when needed.”

The interior of a semiconductor fabrication facility on the campus of Seoul Technopark at Seoul National University of Science and Technology in Nowon District, Seoul. Courtesy of Seoul National University of Science and Technology

In response to the rapidly evolving technological landscape, SeoulTech also launched a new biomedical engineering department this year in partnership with the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences.

The university has also established a department of applied quantum physics next year, further expanding its footprint in emerging fields.

Kim also outlined his vision of strengthening the university’s competitiveness by positioning it as a top choice for industry.

He compared the strategy to that of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, which has risen rapidly in global rankings over the past few decades, with a focus on applied research as a key driver of its growth.

“What matters is creating technologies and talent that society and industry actively seek out — and that in turn enhances a university’s value,” he said.

As part of this vision, Kim is advancing the concept of an industry-integrated campus, or “business campus,” where companies and the university are closely embedded within a shared space.

The model goes beyond conventional industry-academia partnerships, aiming to create an environment in which corporate professionals, researchers and students interact organically.

“Such integration is expected to expand internship opportunities, build trust between companies and universities and foster a more collaborative culture beyond traditional institutional boundaries,” he added.

Kim Dong-hwan, president of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, delivers a lecture on IT and industry trends in Korea at Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University in Kazakhstan, April 17, 2025. Courtesy of Seoul National University of Science and Technology

The university is also stepping up efforts to build global networks and strengthen support systems for international students as part of its push to become a globally integrated research university.

The university designated Kazakhstan as a strategic partner and is implementing a localized education cooperation model in the country, building on an ODA-supported initiative that first established institutional partnerships and academic programs, including a 2 plus 2 pathway in collaboration with its International College.

In September 2025, the university admitted its first cohort for the program, which selects high-performing local students and places them on a structured training pathway. Participants complete about two years of foundational and major coursework in Kazakhstan before transferring to Seoul to complete their studies.

“The students are selected based on strong academic performance and receive government scholarships in Kazakhstan, ensuring they have the capability and potential to succeed,” Kim said, noting that the phased model connects local education with Korea’s engineering programs to cultivate globally competitive, practice-oriented students.

The project’s medium- to long-term goal extends beyond student recruitment and exchange, aiming to export the university’s engineering education model overseas.

Building on the Kazakhstan initiative as a pilot, the university is considering expanding the model to other key Asian countries, including China, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Kim Dong-hwan, fourth from right, president of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, celebrates the opening of the university’s global lounge with officials at the campus in Nowon District, Seoul, Oct. 1, 2025. Courtesy of Seoul National University of Science and Technology

Kim emphasized that the university aims to create a virtuous cycle in which international graduates in science and engineering settle in Korea and develop into key engineers.

To this end, the university has introduced programs to help international students adapt quickly to Korea’s technological and industrial ecosystem.

At the forefront is its Division of Global Liberal Arts, launched this year to offer tailored curricula for international students, along with a dedicated coordinator professor system providing close academic guidance and counseling.

“These efforts are aimed at helping international students build basic skills needed to adapt to Korea’s tech industry ecosystem and successfully settle into academic and campus life,” Kim said.

The university is also strengthening industry links through practice-oriented programs, including special lectures on AI applications and media content production for international students.

“By reflecting the latest technology trends, these programs help students quickly understand Korea’s industrial landscape and develop practical competencies,” he added.

Graphic by Cho Sang-won