Andong, the Cradle of Global Vaccine Talent... Rising as an International Education Hub

Strengthening International Cooperation with WHO and IVI
Securing Both Youth Employment and Global Talent Development

Andong City is emerging as a strategic hub for the global bio and vaccine industry.

Going beyond being a simple vaccine production base, Andong is expanding its status from the "Vaccine Capital of Korea" to the "Cradle of Global Vaccine Talent" by growing into a hub for global talent development and international cooperation.

Andong City, Global Biovaccine Factory Overview, Leap to a Human Resource Development Hub

◆ Partnership with WHO and IVI, Advancing as an International Education Base

The Animal Cell Verification Support Center, designated as the "Global Bio Andong Campus" by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2023, is jointly operating international educational programs with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). Conducted in specialized facilities that meet GMP standards for pharmaceuticals, these programs are attracting attention from the World Health Organization and health authorities worldwide, achieving international recognition.

From September 1 to 26, 2025, 17 experts from 14 countries participated in the "Cell-Culture Vaccine Process Training" supported by the World Health Organization. Following this, from October 20 to November 18, a "Vaccine Manufacturing Process Training" program, organized in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and UNOPS, will be held, with local company and research institute professionals receiving training in Andong. This initiative is being recognized as an international cooperation model that strengthens Africa's self-reliance in vaccine production.

◆ Empowering the Future of Local Youth

In addition to international education, Andong City is accelerating efforts to nurture domestic talent. In partnership with Kyungpook National University, Andong Science College, Catholic Sangji College, and local specialized high schools, the city provides GMP production process and quality management training to more than 230 students and job seekers, simultaneously securing skilled professionals and creating jobs for local youth.

Since 2022, 114 trainees from 35 countries overseas and over 700 from Korea have completed these programs, firmly establishing Andong as a global hub for talent development.

◆ Soaring as a Global Vaccine Center

Looking ahead, Andong City has outlined a blueprint to grow into the center of the global bio and vaccine industry in collaboration with SK Bioscience, the Andong branch of the International Vaccine Institute, and the Vaccine Commercialization Technology Support Center.

Kwon Ki-chang, Mayor of Andong, stated, "As a global bio and vaccine talent development hub recognized by the World Health Organization, Andong is fulfilling its responsibilities in the international community. Through a region-led, sustainable growth strategy, we will open the future of Korea's bio industry and develop Andong into a global vaccine center."

He added, "Andong's strategy goes beyond simple industrial development to build a platform for international education and cooperation. The differentiated vision of being a 'city that nurtures talent' is the key driving force making Andong a global vaccine hub."

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