Seoul National University rethinks higher education, emphasizing globalization

While many Korean universities prioritize boosting global competitiveness by recruiting international students, Seoul National University stresses that globalization should be regarded not as a project or goal, but as the very foundation of higher education. “Universities must confront a fundamental question — what is their role in the 21st century, beyond the pursuit of global competitiveness?” Seoul National University President Ryu Hong-lim said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. Ryu outlined his vision of the university as a hub for global cooperation, a platform where institutions work together to tackle shared challenges. “Globalization is not an add-on initiative. It must serve as the foundation for everything we do,” he emphasized. He noted that universities have always been part of a broader intellectual community that transcends borders. “Our responsibility is to nurture responsible global citizens capable of addressing the world’s toughest challenges,” he said. Ryu also stressed that Seoul National University itself must undergo structural reforms, aligning with glo

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