KAIST is launching a project to improve its space research infrastructure.
On November 21, KAIST announced that it will use a 500 million won donation from the Imdang Scholarship and Cultural Foundation to carry out an environmental improvement project for the Satellite Research Institute's Jeong Mongheon Wooribyeol Research Building, located at its main campus in Daejeon.
Exterior view of the Jeong Mongheon Wooribyul Research Building at the Satellite Research Institute. Provided by KAIST
The Imdang Scholarship and Cultural Foundation is a non-profit scholarship foundation established in 2005 by Kim Moonhee, the mother of Hyun Jeong-eun, Chairwoman of Hyundai Group. Currently, the foundation is led by Jung Jiyi, the eldest daughter of Chairwoman Hyun and Executive Director of Hyundai Movex. Over three generations, the foundation has carried out projects to promote education, culture, the arts, and sports, as well as nurture talent.
The Jeong Mongheon Wooribyeol Research Building was established with a donation from the late Chung Mongheon, former Chairman of Hyundai Group and husband of Chairwoman Hyun, to advance space research in Korea. It became the nation's first university-based organization dedicated solely to space research.
The name "Jeong Mongheon Wooribyeol Research Building" was given around the fifth anniversary of the late Chairman Chung Mongheon's passing. The partnership between the Hyundai family and KAIST, forged through this research building, has set a leading example of corporate social contribution to the development of the knowledge ecosystem and talent cultivation.
The KAIST Satellite Research Institute, located within the Jeong Mongheon Wooribyeol Research Building, was established in 1989 as Korea's first university-based organization dedicated to space research. Since its founding, the institute has led the development of various satellites based on Korea's own technology, starting with "Wooribyeol-1," which marked the beginning of the nation's space development, followed by next-generation small satellites and ultra-small satellite clusters. It has grown into a world-class research institute for small satellites.
Currently, about 80 researchers are based in the building, focusing on the development of advanced small satellite technologies. However, the lack of an elevator has made it difficult to transport research equipment, and accessibility for people with mobility challenges has remained an ongoing concern.
In response, KAIST plans to use the donation from the Imdang Scholarship and Cultural Foundation to install an elevator connecting the basement level to the fourth floor, thereby improving the efficiency of equipment transport and providing a more convenient environment for both visitors and researchers.
In addition, the promotional hall, which has been in operation since 2008, will be renovated into an experiential exhibition space using the latest digital display techniques, allowing visitors to easily explore KAIST's achievements and history in space research at a glance.
On November 21, KAIST will hold a plaque of appreciation ceremony at the president's office of the KAIST Seoul Campus. The ceremony will be attended by Hyun Jeong-eun, Chairwoman of Hyundai Group, Lee Kwanghyung, President of KAIST, Han Jaeheung, Director of the KAIST Space Research Institute, and others.
Chairwoman Hyun stated, "The late Chairman Chung Mongheon supported the development of the KAIST Satellite Research Institute with a deep passion for science and space. I hope that this environmental improvement project will carry on his legacy, contribute to the advancement of Korean space technology, and provide more opportunities for aspiring talent to pursue their dreams."
President Lee said, "The Jeong Mongheon Wooribyeol Research Building is a symbolic space for the advancement of Korea's space technology. This environmental improvement project will enhance both research efficiency and the value of public engagement. The meaningful support from the Imdang Scholarship and Cultural Foundation will be a great force for the future development of KAIST's space research."
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