Sejong University: A New Korean Education Hub for Disruptive Technologies and Semiconductors

South Korea is currently facing a series of significant challenges. In addition to having limited labor force globalization compared to other nations, the country is projected to experience a labor shortage of 7.4 million workers by 2040 due to a major demographic shift. In June, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared South Korea's ultralow birth rate a "demographic national emergency." How can universities contribute to addressing challenges like labor shortages and the need for global talent?

Currently, the number of foreign residents in South Korea is estimated to be 2.5 million, which is about 5% of the country's population. In contrast, foreign labor accounts for 15% to 25% of the population in many European countries. This highlights how limited the foreign workforce is in Korea. If we were to assume that 15% of Korea’s population consisted of foreigners, that would equate to around 7.5 million people. With only 2.5 million foreign residents, we are facing a gap of 5 million, contributing significantly to the labor shortage.

In this context, the key issue is not just the numbers but how we can bridge that gap. One way our university is tackling this challenge is by focusing on expanding our doctoral programs for international students, particularly in natural sciences and engineering. While many institutions concentrate on growing undergraduate programs, we are prioritizing advanced degrees to cultivate a highly skilled workforce for the future.

To address the demographic cliff effectively, South Korea must accept more immigrants, particularly those with specialized skills. This is where our university plays a crucial role, focusing on nurturing high-caliber global talent who can help fill critical gaps in the labor market.

East and South Asian countries like Japan and Malaysia also share the goal of attracting international students. South Korea, known for its safety, advanced universities, and growing focus on English-language programs, is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for students and professionals. The country’s strong corporate sector and labor market, which urgently needs more talent, further enhance its appeal. From a university’s perspective, what are the benefits of studying in South Korea for students and academic professionals?

Japan has a longer history of admitting large numbers of international students. In contrast, many Southeast Asian countries have yet to reach the ranks of fully developed nations. South Korea, on the other hand, has already attained G7 or G10 status and is now firmly positioned among the world’s developed nations. This achievement makes Korea an appealing destination for international students seeking quality education in a developed country.

As you rightly pointed out, Korea offers a very safe environment for both studying and living. In addition to its academic strengths, universities in Seoul have the advantage of embracing a diverse, multinational demographic. Seoul, in particular, is a melting pot, home to vibrant communities from countries like China and Uzbekistan. This dynamic international presence allows students not only to immerse themselves in Korean culture but also to engage with peers from around the world, enriching their overall experience both academically and socially.

In 2023, the Minister of Education announced the Study Korea 300K Project, aimed at attracting 300,000 international students by 2027. This initiative encourages collaboration between universities, local industries, and governments. By 2025, additional measures related to post-graduation employment, migration opportunities, and language proficiency requirements will also be introduced. Do you believe that 300,000 is an achievable target? How do you expect this increased government support to impact universities?

Currently, the number of international students in South Korea is around 170,000. Achieving 300,000 in just 2.5 years presents a significant challenge. While I can't be entirely certain about the feasibility of this target, I am confident that Sejong University can triple our current enrollment numbers. Seoul's appeal as a destination for international students is a significant advantage, and Sejong University offers a variety of doctoral programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Our success in this initiative is not only supported by government grants and subsidies but also by the dedicated funding efforts of our faculty.

Sejong University

Digital transformation (DX) and IT technologies like generative AI are reshaping education globally. For example, ChatGPT has had a massive impact on the education sector, influencing how instructors assess students and redesign curricula. These changes promote the concept of lifelong learning, as professionals must continuously update their skills to keep pace with new solutions. How do you see digital transformation and ICT shaping the future of education? What kinds of classes is your university offering to support lifelong learning and skill enhancement for future workers?

Like other advanced economies, we are adopting adaptive learning powered by AI. Historically, universities, such as Bologna University established in the 1600s, focused on teaching large classes through rote memorization, which did not facilitate deep understanding. Today, however, we can offer personalized education tailored to individual capacities, thanks to advancements in AI. For instance, in a general physics course, I can provide a platform where different students receive tailored questionnaires based on their specific capabilities.

Professors in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, in particular, face challenges as students increasingly rely on ChatGPT for their assignments. This reliance has created significant concerns among faculty members. However, outright banning ChatGPT is neither feasible nor practical. We must acknowledge that students are using this technology and find innovative ways to evaluate their work. While I don’t have a definitive solution, I believe that simply disregarding tools like ChatGPT, as some institutions in the UK have done, is an outdated approach. We need to adapt and create assessment methods that effectively integrate these new tools into the learning process.

Sejong University’s AI Convergence College combines computer science, AI, and data science with electrical engineering, robotics, and mechatronics, creating a hub for high-tech industries. What is the role of this college, and how does it prepare students for the challenges of the high-tech industry?

Our newly established departments may have impressive names, but at their core, they are designed to provide technology-focused courses that integrate coding education and AI learning. First and foremost, we aim to cultivate a strong foundation of essential skills among our students. Additionally, we are emphasizing capstone design courses, which are based on problem-solving and encourage teamwork. Regardless of the mega tech trends that may emerge in the coming years, we believe that foundational coding skills will remain crucial.

The investments you've made in the college have also caught our attention. The Semiconductor System Engineering Department was added in 2023, and in 2020, the university introduced two other departments. How do you foresee the evolution and importance of these types of skills within your university’s offerings and curriculum in the upcoming years?

As you know, the Korean government has outlined a blueprint for 12 core technologies essential to the Korean economy, and some of these technologies have already been firmly established. Sejong University is not attempting anything radically different or unique; rather, we are aligning our programs with the subtopics and sub-technologies identified by the scientific community. In accordance with this framework, we are continuously establishing new departments.

It’s worth noting that Sejong University is not alone in this endeavor; many other universities have also established Semiconductor System Engineering departments. This response is driven by the Korean government's urgent call for an increased semiconductor workforce, prompting universities to adapt swiftly to meet this demand.

Founded in 1940, Sejong University has nurtured 80 years of heritage rooted in Christian values, diversity, and humanism. With nine undergraduate colleges, the university has become a popular choice for international students, who now represent 18% of the student body. What are the benefits of studying at Sejong University?

Sejong University has a total enrollment of approximately 15,000 students, with around 4,000 being international students, which accounts for 18% of our student body. We offer ten full English programs, referred to as "English tracks," which have been available for over a decade. Additionally, our new faculty members are required to offer courses in English, further expanding the options available for our international students.

Regarding our Christian values, while our mission is grounded in these principles, we welcome students of all backgrounds and religions. For instance, we have a significant number of Muslim students, and we have prepared a prayer room to accommodate their needs and promote their cultural and religious practices.

You mentioned the ten English programs that have contributed to attracting foreign students, who currently make up 18% of the total student body. In addition, there are foreign faculty members working here or visiting. How important is internationalization for your university, and what initiatives are you undertaking to attract foreign students and faculty?

I believe it's essential for Korean universities to step outside their comfort zones, especially considering the enrollment quotas for Korean students. Despite the demand for admission, we face limitations on the number of domestic students we can accept. To enhance our university's resources and ensure that our professors can continue their research, we need to increase enrollment, particularly among international students. By attracting highly skilled and educated foreign students, we can foster collaboration in research and enrich our academic community.

As you mentioned, your university has a head start in providing English track programs and a particular focus on graduate students. One of the criticisms that Korean universities have faced regarding foreign students is the gap between obtaining a degree and finding employment. Korea has a unique labor market, and historically, the share of foreign workers in Korean companies has been relatively low. As a university experienced in welcoming international students, could you explain how you bridge this gap and assist your foreign graduates with post-graduation employment?

I would like to clarify this point. International students who study in the United States often enter the workforce easily because they are proficient in English. Graduates from U.S. universities can seamlessly transition into various industries, highlighting the importance of language proficiency. In contrast, Korean industries are generally hesitant to hire international students due to language barriers. Therefore, we not only focus on providing full English tracks for our students but also ensure they acquire proper Korean language skills to enhance their employability after graduation.

For instance, when I spoke with HR managers at the Vietnamese plant of Samsung Electronics, they mentioned that students who can speak even a little Korean have a much better chance of being hired. This underscores the importance of language proficiency in the job market.

Your university is well-known for its hospitality and tourism management degrees. In advanced economies like Korea, Japan, and France, the hospitality sector is undergoing a major transformation due to a labor shortage. Traditionally, tourism and hospitality have been very labor-intensive sectors. While this wasn't a problem 15 years ago, many universities have recently revamped their curricula to prepare future hotel managers to address these labor shortages. As a leader in this field, how does your university update its curriculum to meet the current demands of the hospitality market?

Although I’m not the dean of the Hospitality Department and cannot provide a detailed answer, I can share my perspective. The industry increasingly demands digital and data-driven managers, in contrast to the traditional managers who primarily focus on physical service. Therefore, we must first identify which subfields face the most significant human resource shortages. Our aim is to cultivate a pool of talent equipped with data-driven hospitality management skills that align with the industry's evolving needs, including the integration of AI technologies.

Sejong University currently has nine graduate colleges, and you're planning to open new campuses in the near future. Can you outline the evolution of the university over the next two to three years? What will it look like, and do you have any new programs you intend to launch?

If I were to lay out my master plan, it includes creating satellite campuses in Gwangju City, located in Gyeonggi Province, just 50 kilometers south of Seoul—within the greater Seoul area, about an hour away. At this satellite campus, we will house the Plant Breed Research Institute, the Defense Science Research Institute, and the Aerospace Research Institute. This campus will focus not only on teaching but also on advancing research.

Additionally, there will be another satellite campus in the Seongnam area, which is 20 kilometers south of the greater Seoul area. This campus will focus on research institutes specializing in data-driven fabless semiconductor design programs.

Sejong University has established dual degree programs with Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, Yokohama National University in Japan, and a short-term exchange program with the University of Guam. What is the role of these exchange programs, and are you looking to expand your partnerships further?

Our dual degree program with Shanghai Jiao Tong University primarily benefits our students in the Chinese Trade and Commerce Department. At Yokohama National University, our Japanese Language and Culture Department students earn dual degrees while spending a year there during their junior year. Looking ahead, we plan to establish a dual degree program with the University of Guam for our music major students. Additionally, our Animation Technology Department students will pursue a dual degree at Qingdao Agricultural University in China. Moving forward, we are eager to develop a dual degree program for our Business Administration Department students with Arizona State University in the U.S. We are also exploring opportunities to establish a dual degree program in Indonesia.

You became president at the end of July this year. As you embark on this journey, do you have specific goals, ambitions, or objectives you would like to achieve during your tenure? Have you set any targets?

My vision is to elevate our university to the top 100 global universities by 2030. To achieve this, we need to implement a dual strategy. First, we aim to foster an environment that supports our professors in conducting their research, with the assistance of international students entering doctoral programs. Second, in light of demographic shifts, we must actively attract a greater number of highly skilled international students so that they can successfully integrate into the Korean workforce after graduation.

For more details, explore their website at https://en.sejong.ac.kr/eng/index.do