Establishment of Six "Only-One" Research Centers
Including LNG-Hydrogen and Offshore Wind Power
"The key is to cultivate practical talent connected to the local industrial field."
Mokpo National University explained that this was the secret behind being the only institution nationwide to receive an S grade in the Ministry of Education's Glocal University annual evaluation.
On December 15, Mokpo National University announced that it held the "2nd Global Advisory Committee Meeting of 2025" at the 70th Anniversary Hall to share the achievements of the Glocal University Project and discuss future development directions.
Mokpo National University held the "2nd Global Advisory Committee Meeting of 2025" to share the achievements of the Glocal University project and discuss future development directions. Provided by Mokpo National University
More than 10 participants attended, including Do Jonghwan, former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Chairman of the Global Advisory Committee); Lim Hyukbaek, Professor Emeritus at Korea University; Kim Susam, former Vice President of Hanyang University; Choi Wonho, Chairman of Taehwa Group; Kim Hongyeon, President of KEPCO KPS; Woo Kijong, former Vice Governor for Political Affairs of South Jeolla Province; Jeong Sunnam, former Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of South Jeolla Province; Choi Yongseop, Editor-in-Chief of Korea University Newspaper; Kim Hanchang, Secretary-General of the National Assembly Good Policy Forum; and Son Youngha, Distinguished Professor at Gyeongju University.
President Song Hacheol focused on introducing the achievements of the Global Science Park (GSP), which is being developed in the Daebul Industry-Academia Convergence District and the Energy Valley Industry-Academia Convergence District.
He particularly emphasized that six global "Only-One" research centers serve as key hubs: the LNG-Hydrogen Cryogenic System Research Center, the Marine Cable Testing Research Center, the Eco-Friendly Advanced Welding Center, the SMR Ship Research Institute, the Large-Scale Offshore Wind Power Demonstration Center, and the Next-Generation Marine Power Technology Research Institute.
President Song explained, "We are creating an innovative ecosystem in which research, education, employment and entrepreneurship, and regional settlement are organically integrated around these research centers." The strategy is to secure world-class research competitiveness in advanced technology fields such as carbon-free ships, green marine energy, and AI.
The university's achievements in educational innovation are also noteworthy. Mokpo National University is strengthening field-oriented education through the expansion of project labs, the establishment of advanced lecture environments, mentoring-based career and employment support, and talent development programs in cooperation with local high schools and private universities.
President Song stated, "The cultivation of practical and problem-solving talent connected to the local community and industrial sites is the core competitiveness of Mokpo National University's Glocal University Project."
The advisory committee members highly praised Mokpo National University's achievements, while also calling for stronger execution. In particular, they suggested designing corporate attraction incentives in connection with South Jeolla Province, advancing AI strategies focused on shipbuilding, marine, and energy industries, strengthening cooperation with public enterprises in the energy sector such as offshore wind power, and expanding cultural and artistic content utilizing South Jeolla's cultural assets.
President Song Hacheol said, "Our goal is not to pursue advanced technologies such as carbon-free ships, green marine energy, and AI individually, but to establish an execution system in which education, research, and industry-academia cooperation are organically connected." He added, "By reflecting the valuable opinions of the advisory committee members, we will leap forward as a hub university for glocal innovation in the southwestern region."
Mokpo National University was the only one among 20 project groups nationwide to receive an S grade in the Ministry of Education's 2025 Glocal University annual evaluation, securing an additional 1 billion KRW in project funding.
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