‘Saemaeul Jeondosa’ Choi Oechul, Yeungnam University President, Meets Mongolian Ambassador to Korea to Discuss Talent Development

Yeungnam University is actively working to attract international students from Mongolia.

The number of Mongolian students studying at Yeungnam University has significantly increased this year. As of April 2023, 57 students are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and Korean language education programs.

On the 23rd of last month, Erdenetsogt Sarantogos, the Mongolian Ambassador to Korea, visited Yeungnam University. He attended the Spring International Academic Conference of the Korea-Mongolia Society held at the Lee Siwon Global Convention Hall at Yeungnam University. Before the conference, Ambassador Erdenetsogt Sarantogos met with Yeungnam University President Choi Oechul.

Erdenechkhet Sarantogos, Mongolian Ambassador to Korea (second from left), met with Choi Oechul, President of Yeungnam University (third from left), to discuss talent development plans including Mongolian students studying abroad, and then took a photo with related staff.

At this meeting, Ambassador Erdenetsogt Sarantogos and President Choi agreed on the need for practical cooperation between Mongolia and Korea across various fields, including the necessity of Mongolia's Saemaul development projects and the promotion of desertification control projects in Mongolia, which is facing difficulties due to climate change and accelerated desertification.

Ambassador Erdenetsogt Sarantogos showed great interest in nurturing talent, including Mongolian students studying at Yeungnam University.

President Choi stated, “The experience of Korea’s development and experts in the Saemaul development field can play a significant role in Mongolia’s progress. Especially if Mongolian central and local government officials acquire the capabilities and expertise in Saemaul development, it will create synergy in the formulation and implementation of national development policies. We will actively support Mongolian government officials studying at Yeungnam University. Yeungnam University will play a role in nurturing Mongolian talent, including public officials.”

Ambassador Erdenetsogt Sarantogos said, “Mongolia’s national development policies align with the core values of the Saemaul Movement. Yeungnam University, internationally recognized for its education, research, and talent development know-how in the Saemaul development field, needs to actively cooperate. I will actively recommend Mongolian talents to study at Yeungnam University. I hope the Mongolian Embassy and Yeungnam University will work closely together to expand exchanges between the two countries as well as promote Mongolia’s development.”

Yeungnam University’s Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School was established in 2011 to train Saemaul leaders from developing countries.

Foreign students enrolled in the Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School differ from general undergraduate and graduate students, as they consist of public officials, public institution workers, social activists, and professionals who plan and implement policies in their respective countries.

So far, seven Mongolian students (six graduates and one who completed the program) have studied at the Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School and returned to work as Saemaul development experts.