Imdang Scholarship and Cultural Foundation Donates 500 Million Won to KAIST... Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun Receives Appreciation Plaque

Environmental Improvements for the "Chung Monghun Wooribyul Research Building"

The Imdang Scholarship and Cultural Foundation announced on November 24 that it has donated 500 million won to KAIST for the environmental improvement project of the "Chung Monghun Wooribyul Research Building."

This foundation is a non-profit scholarship organization established in 2005 by Kim Moonhee, mother of Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun. Currently, Jung Ji-yi, the eldest daughter of Chairwoman Hyun and Executive Director of Hyundai Movex, serves as the chairperson.

Hyun Jeong-eun, Chairwoman of Hyundai Group (left), is taking a commemorative photo with Lee Kwang-hyung, President of KAIST, at the appreciation plaque presentation ceremony for the development fund held at KAIST Seoul Campus on the 21st. Hyundai Group

The "Chung Monghun Wooribyul Research Building" located at KAIST’s Daejeon main campus was established through a donation from the late Chung Monghun, 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. Chairwoman Hyun has continued to show special interest and affection for supporting research, and in 2008, on the fifth anniversary of the late Chairman Chung Monghun’s passing, the research building was officially named after him.

The KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center, housed in the "Chung Monghun Wooribyul Research Building," was established in 1989 as the first university-based organization in Korea dedicated to space research. Beginning with "Wooribyul-1," which marked the start of Korea’s space development, the center has led the development of various satellites-including next-generation small satellites and ultra-small satellite clusters-based on domestic technology, and has grown into a world-class research institution for small satellites.

Currently, about 80 researchers are stationed in the research building, focusing on the development of advanced small satellite technologies. However, there have been ongoing concerns about the inconvenience of transporting research equipment and the lack of accessibility for mobility-impaired individuals due to the absence of an elevator.

KAIST plans to use the donation to install an elevator connecting the basement level to the fourth floor above ground, thereby improving the efficiency of equipment transport and providing a more convenient environment for both visitors and researchers.

To express gratitude for the support, KAIST presented a plaque of appreciation to Chairwoman Hyun on the 21st at the president’s office on the Seoul campus. Chairwoman Hyun stated, "The late Chairman Chung Monghun supported the advancement of the KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center out of his deep passion for science and space," and added, "I hope this environmental improvement project will carry on his legacy, contribute to the advancement of Korea’s space technology, and provide more opportunities for young talents to pursue their dreams."

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