On April 13, 2026, a delegation comprising representatives from the School of Aeronautics (SA), the Office of Science and Technology, and the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation departed for South Korea to conduct intercollegiate exchange visits. From April 14 to 16, the delegation visited Dongseo University (DSU), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), and Pukyong National University (PKNU), engaging in in-depth discussions on key areas including intercollegiate cooperation, talent cultivation, and research collaboration, and reaching multiple cooperation agreements.
DSU visit, consolidating the foundation for cooperation
On April 14, the delegation arrived at DSU, where it received a warm welcome from the Dean of the Office of International Affairs and relevant faculty members. The Dean welcomed the SDJU delegation and both sides reviewed the history of exchanges since establishment of partnership in 2019. Since the launch of the cooperation, SDJU has annually sent students to DSU for exchange programs, with continued growth in inter-university interactions. During the meeting, the SDJU delegation introduced the key initiatives and implementation plans of the Research Partnership Program in detail. The two sides reached consensus on future cooperation pathways, agreeing to advance the signing of a credit recognition program. They also identified joint student training as the core focus of cooperation and committed to further expanding channels for academic exchange. The head of SDJU delegation expressed appreciation for DSU’s long-term support and expressed the hope that this discussion would serve as an opportunity to facilitate the implementation of cooperation initiatives and achieve tangible outcomes.
GNU visit, expanding the dimensions of cooperation
On April 15, the delegation visited GNU, where a reception team consisting of the Vice Dean of the Office of International Affairs, Dean of College of Space and Aeronautics (CSA), and five other representatives warmly welcomed the delegation. At the beginning of the visit, accompanied by the reception team, the delegation toured the campus and gained an in-depth understanding of the GNU’s student dormitories, dining facilities, sports and cultural activity centers, and other campus amenities. Subsequently, accompanied by CSA Dean, the delegation visited various laboratories of the college to learn more about its teaching and research facilities as well as the development of experimental platforms. The delegation spoke highly of GNU’s student-centered campus management, comprehensive support services, and strong research capabilities. Since the two universities established their partnership in 2025, this visit focused on expanding and deepening cooperation areas. During the meeting, the SDJU delegation provided a comprehensive introduction to our university, including disciplinary strengths, and international cooperation strategies. The two sides held in-depth discussions on areas including credit recognition, dual-degree programs, and joint research. They also conducted detailed consultations on specific cooperation initiatives, including the Research Partnership Program, summer schools, short-term summer student programs, and graduate research projects. Multiple preliminary agreements were reached, with both sides expressing the expectation of accelerating implementation.
Engagement with PKNU, deepening collaborative development
On April 16, the delegation arrived at PKNU, where representatives from its Office of International Affairs warmly received the delegation. Focusing on two key areas—research collaboration and student development—the two sides held extensive discussions on specific cooperation initiatives, including the Research Partnership Program and student credit recognition. Based on the academic strengths and development needs of both universities, they clarified pathways and timelines for advancing cooperation, aiming to achieve resource sharing, complementary advantages, and joint development of collaborative outcomes through pragmatic partnerships. At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation toured the campus under guidance, gaining firsthand knowledge of the configuration and use of student facilities and further enhancing its understanding of PKNU’s educational environment and campus culture.
The exchange visits to South Korean universities further consolidated SDJU’s cooperation foundation with Korean higher education institutions, expanded the scope of collaboration, and laid a solid foundation for future initiatives in credit recognition programs, degree programs, and joint research. Moving forward, SDJU will continue to deepen international exchanges and cooperation, expand its global partnership network, and enhance both its internationalization capacity and the quality of talent cultivation.
Introduction to Partner Universities
Dongseo University (DSU) is located in Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea. Founded in 1992, it is a private comprehensive university and a member of the CAMPUS Asia. The university features strengths in information technology, film and media, and design, with close integration among industry, education, and research. It currently has more than 11,000 full-time students and over 1,100 international students. DSU has established partnerships with more than 230 universities worldwide and leverages Busan’s regional resources to provide students with practical learning opportunities. It is recognized as an innovative university in Korea’s Yeongnam region.
Gyeongsang National University (GNU) is located in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. Founded in 1948, it is a leading national university in the region. With multiple campuses covering a total area of more than 1.65 million square meters, GNU has over 810 professors and approximately 24,000 students, ranking among the larger national universities in South Korea. GNU has strong academic strengths in fields such as life sciences and mechanical & aerospace engineering. As a designated institution under BK21 and NURI, GNU has established distinctive aviation-related programs by leveraging the region’s aerospace industry advantages. With extensive international partnerships, it represents a distinctive and promising institution among Korean national universities.
Pukyong National University (PKNU) is located in Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea. Established through a merger in 1996, it is one of South Korea’s ten major national universities and a key institution under the BK21 Program. The university is renowned for its strengths in engineering and marine sciences, with its marine and fisheries disciplines ranking among the leading programs in Asia. PKNU currently has approximately 24,000 students, including more than 1,700 international students, and maintains partnerships with over 300 universities worldwide. It serves as an important research and talent cultivation base in the field of marine sciences in South Korea.
