Chonnam National University is enhancing its support systems to attract and retain international students as part of a broader globalization push. President Lee Keun-bae announced plans to establish a dedicated Office of International Affairs this year to streamline services for its growing international community. The efforts focus on aligning with regional industries like AI and semiconductors.
Chonnam National University is intensifying its efforts to draw international students from beyond the Seoul area. In an interview with The Korea Times on February 12 at the Gwangju campus, President Lee Keun-bae stated, "Our goal is to further solidify the university’s standing as a prestigious institution that nurtures global talent — one that grows together with the region, reaches out to the world and leads the future."
Declaring this year as the start of a significant global advancement, the university plans to create an Office of International Affairs. This office will merge functions from the existing international cooperation division under the Office of Public Affairs, centralizing support for international students and global initiatives. Staffing will expand from 13 to an estimated 20 to 30 members. Lee explained, "Until now, international cooperation has been managed as a division, but with the number of international students steadily increasing, we decided to launch a dedicated office to bring all support systems under one umbrella."
The university currently hosts around 2,000 international students, including those in Korean-language, exchange, and degree programs, primarily from China, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. It offers "comprehensive, life-cycle support" from admission to graduation and long-term settlement, linking campus departments and partners. Key measures include near-universal dormitory assignments for applicants, assistance with immigration processes like registration, visa extensions, and work permits, plus counseling for mental health.
To boost academic appeal, the university targets top talent in fields tied to local industries, such as AI and future mobility, with tailored recruitment from countries like China, Mongolia, Vietnam, and ASEAN nations. On January 12, it launched a joint semiconductor packaging research center with Amkor. Lee noted, "The joint research center is equipped with advanced semiconductor packaging facilities, allowing students and researchers to conduct education and research in an environment identical to real industrial sites." Future collaborations will cover automotive and AI technologies, producing "industry-ready" graduates who require no further training.
The institution also highlights strengths in renewable energy, aerospace launch vehicles, and humanities traditions. It provides structured Korean language training via its institute. Lee aims for a top 300 global ranking, emphasizing scholarships and international partnerships to create a cycle attracting elite students. These initiatives seek to enhance research prowess and revitalize local communities amid population decline.
