Joining Forces to Solve Labor Shortages in Local Trade and Logistics Companies
"Korean Dream in Busan, the Business Hub"
For the first time in Busan, a practical trade training program for foreign students has been launched to address the labor shortages faced by local trade and logistics companies.
Dongmyung University (President Lee Sangcheon) announced that, in partnership with the Busan Regional Headquarters of the Korea International Trade Association (Head Lee Cheong), it began offering a 'Trade and Logistics Practical Training Program' for foreign students starting on July 14.
This training program runs for two weeks, totaling 60 hours, and focuses intensively on practical trade topics such as international law, contracts, payments, customs clearance, transportation, and the use of AI in overseas marketing. Only 16 participants were selected for this elite, small-group course.
The curriculum was designed to reflect the actual needs of companies, and after completing the training, participating students will undertake field internships at local trade and logistics companies and are also scheduled to participate in the National University Student Mock Export Competition.
An Byungseon, Team Leader at the Busan Regional Headquarters of the Korea International Trade Association, stated, "We will nurture and supply outstanding foreign students as practical talents to help resolve the labor shortages faced by local companies."
Woo Jonggyun, Professor at Dongmyung University's Department of Global Business, explained, "This program was developed in consultation with numerous trade and logistics companies, and it will provide foreign students with the opportunity to grow into talents equipped with the practical skills needed by local industries."
There has also been a positive response from the field. Kim Hyungjin, CEO of Hwaseung R&A, said, "The practical skills of the two foreign students currently working with us are highly satisfactory," adding, "Foreign professionals with language skills and an understanding of Korean culture are a great asset to companies."
Foreign students participating in the program also expressed their expectations. Vo Thi Yen Ngan, a student from Vietnam, said, "It is an honor to experience firsthand the training provided by the Korea International Trade Association, which I had only read about in reports," and added, "I want to become a trade expert connecting Korea and Vietnam." Sara Swati, a student from Nepal, said, "As Busan is a global logistics hub, I hope to realize my Korean Dream here."
The Korea International Trade Association plans to issue certificates of completion to graduates and actively support their internships and job placements. Current and former practitioners from the association are also directly teaching at Dongmyung University's Department of Global Business.
The Department of Global Business at Dongmyung University provides foreign students with not only specialized knowledge but also communication skills in both English and Korean, as well as business etiquette, in order to foster field-ready talents. Last December, the two institutions signed an MOU to jointly nurture foreign students and strengthen industry-academia cooperation, collaborating on curriculum development and job matching.
President Lee Sangcheon stated, "If foreign students who have completed both regular and practical training settle in local companies, it will not only help alleviate labor shortages and increase retention rates, but also contribute to Busan's goals of attracting 30,000 international students and becoming a global hub city." He added, "We will continue to foster Busan-style global talents needed by key local industries such as trade, logistics, and finance."
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