- Plans to attract 5,000 international students by 2035
- Focus on physical AI to drive skills, jobs, and research
- Backed by $721M Korean government funding for AI ecosystem
Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) in South Korea is taking bold steps to become a global education hub by 2035, aiming for equal numbers of international and Korean students on campus.
At the heart of this transformation is a strong focus on physical artificial intelligence (AI), a cutting edge field that merges AI with machines, robotics, and smart factories. JBNU President Yang O-bong believes this specialization will not only attract global talent but also create jobs and research opportunities that can boost both regional and national competitiveness.
Instead of cutting university seats due to falling birth rates, JBNU is expanding its reach by welcoming international students into core academic programs. The university plans to fully integrate global and Korean students across departments and create industry linked opportunities through internships, joint research, and startup support.
In August, JBNU was selected as a lead institution for Korea’s physical AI pilot project, receiving 21.9 billion won as part of a larger 1 trillion won ($721 million) government initiative. This funding will support advanced R&D facilities and help establish the university as the center of Korea’s physical AI ecosystem.
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JBNU is also building a 'Glocal Campus' in Namwon with housing, visa support, and job linked education, designed to help international students settle in the region as long term contributors, not just temporary visitors.
Yang believes this strategy will turn the challenge of demographic decline into a launchpad for global academic and economic leadership.
