Full-Scale Discussions on the Integration of National Pukyong University and Korea Maritime University... "Birth of the KAIST of Marine Science"

Discussions on the integration of the National Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime and Ocean University are set to intensify.

Ahead of next year's Glocal University contest, the two universities have agreed to explore integration between the national universities specializing in marine and fisheries sciences in the Busan region.

On the 5th, Jang Young-su, president of National Pukyong National University, stated, “If National Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime and Ocean University, which have played a significant role in the education and industrial development of the global marine city of Busan, integrate, we expect the birth of a ‘Marine Science KAIST’ that will lead the future of Korea’s marine and fisheries science specialization.”

This marks the first official public discussion on integration between two other national universities in Busan, following the integration efforts between Busan National University and Busan National University of Education, which were selected in this year’s Glocal University contest by presenting an educational innovation model.

At the National Council of Presidents of National and Public Universities held at National Pukyong National University on the 30th, President Jang said, “Since successfully achieving the first integration between national universities nationwide 27 years ago, National Pukyong National University has grown into a prestigious regional university and is responding with an open attitude to all innovation discussions, including integration.”

He emphasized, “If it benefits regional industry and higher education development, we will spare no effort in any endeavor for university innovation.”

Following the selection of several universities based on integration in this year’s Glocal University contest, the emergence of the integration issue between National Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime and Ocean University ahead of next year’s contest is expected to influence other universities as well.

If the integration between the two universities is realized, it is anticipated that a marine-specialized national university with an enrollment quota of about 5,000 students and a total student body of approximately 28,000 will be created, surpassing Busan National University to become the world’s largest in the marine field specialization.

Locally, if National Pukyong National University, which originated from Busan Fisheries University?the first specialized fisheries university in Korea?and has led the fisheries, marine, and life sciences fields, integrates with Korea Maritime and Ocean University, which has led the shipping and port sectors, a hub will be established to drive a major transformation in marine and fisheries science and technology under the ‘Marine and Fisheries Science and Technology Promotion Act.’

Both universities possess infrastructure specialized in education, R&D, and talent cultivation in the marine and fisheries sectors, and with cooperative systems established not only with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries but also with research institutions such as the National Institute of Fisheries Science in Busan and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, it is expected to create a synergy effect to leap forward as a global marine city.

National Pukyong National University plans to actively proceed with internal public discussions and opinion gathering regarding the integration with Korea Maritime and Ocean University. It also intends to develop an integration model linked not only to marine and fisheries fields but also to advanced sectors such as digital technology, semiconductors, finance, AI, and bio.