"Where Summer Begins in Busan, Experience the True Korea"... Busan National University Opens Global Youth '2025 PNU Summer School'

50 Participants from 12 Countries Including Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and the UK
Earn Academic Credits, Take Korean Language Courses, and Experience Cultural Exchange During Summer Break

Youth from around the world, more passionate than the blazing summer sun, have gathered on the campus of Busan National University.

Their purpose is to learn and experience the Korean language and culture.

Busan National University (President Choi Jaewon) announced on July 9 that it officially launched the global education program "2025 PNU Summer School" for students from prestigious foreign universities, starting on July 7 for a four-week period.

Busan National University is launching the global youth "2025 PNU Summer School." Photo by Busan National University

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of participants in this program has increased every year, and it has established itself as an international exchange program that promotes Korean identity and the urban appeal of Busan.

This year, 50 students from 17 universities in 12 countries?including The Chinese University of Hong Kong (QS 36th), University of Groningen in the Netherlands (QS 139th), Swansea University in the UK (QS 298th), Vilnius University in Lithuania (QS 439th), Beihang University in China (QS 452nd), as well as universities from France, Japan, Taiwan, Belgium, and the United States?are attending the program at Busan National University. The number of participants has steadily increased from 15 in 2022, to 25 in 2023, to 37 last year, and now 50 this year.

A "full course" experience integrating industry, culture, and language, this year's program is themed "Where Summer Begins, the True Korea Awaits."

During the four-week stay, participants earn academic credits on the Busan National University campus while engaging in 39 hours of intensive Korean language classes; experiencing K-pop dance, Taekwondo, and K-beauty; participating in traditional cultural workshops such as Korean music, calligraphy, and Korean cuisine; and exploring Korean culture through field trips to Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, and historical sites in Gyeongju.

What stands out is the hands-on experience at industrial sites. Participants visit the Hyundai Motor Ulsan Plant, Daesun Distilling Company’s Gijang Plant, and the film industry cluster to directly observe and learn about the industrial capabilities of Busan and the southeastern region. The program also includes activities that allow them to fully experience the charm of the maritime city of Busan, such as a Haeundae yacht tour and a visit to APEC Nurimaru.

Busan National University has also strengthened interaction with its own students through this program. By operating a language volunteer group (PNUF) and a buddy program, the university helps foreign participants engage in natural exchanges and cultural sharing, broadening their understanding of Korean society. English special lectures led by Busan National University faculty are also provided, covering advanced topics such as Korean studies, Korea’s economic development, and autonomous driving technology.

Lee Changhwan, Director of International Affairs at Busan National University, stated, "PNU Summer School functions as a global gateway that showcases the academic and cultural excellence of Busan National University, going beyond a simple language program. We hope that young people from around the world will experience the true Korea at Busan National University and return to grow as global talents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.