Yeungnam University Park Chung Hee Saemaul Graduate School Welcomes First-Ever New Students from Four Countries Including Bhutan and Central African Republic This Year

29 New Students Join from 20 Countries

The global network of the Park Chung Hee Saemaul Graduate School at Yeungnam University (President Choi Oe-chul) has expanded to 81 countries worldwide.

In March 2026, 29 new students from 20 countries joined the Park Chung Hee Saemaul Graduate School, and for the first time since its founding, students from four countries—Central African Republic (CAF), Bhutan (BTN), Namibia (NAM), and Trinidad and Tobago (TTO)—were admitted. As a result, the cumulative number of countries from which students have enrolled has risen significantly from 77 to 81. These new students will systematically learn Korea’s development experience and know-how, based on the principles of the Saemaul Undong and Saemaul Studies, and will grow into key experts who will drive the development of their home countries.

A flag attachment ceremony is being held for new international students from four countries who have recently enrolled in the Park Junghee Saemaul Graduate School at Yeungnam University.

Since its establishment in 2011, the Park Chung Hee Saemaul Graduate School has produced results that have astonished the world: in just 15 years, young talents from 81 countries, including officials from seven international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP), have come to study at Yeungnam University. Most of the international students at the Park Chung Hee Saemaul Graduate School are from developing countries. This is a truly unique achievement that is rarely found at any other university globally.

Why do students from developing countries around the world actively seek out Yeungnam University? The answer lies in the global attention to the ‘Saemaul Undong,’ a UNESCO Memory of the World, and to ‘Saemaul Studies.’ ‘Saemaul Studies’ is an academic discipline developed by Yeungnam University, which systematizes Korea’s unique experience of development and the Saemaul Undong. Choi Oe-chul, the current president of Yeungnam University, established and systematized the academic field and has been recognized domestically and internationally. President Choi also served as the inaugural dean of the Park Chung Hee Saemaul Graduate School and is credited with laying the foundation for the school’s growth.

In particular, the case of the Central African Republic, which has newly admitted a student this year, is drawing attention. This is because the admitted student was directly recommended by the Central African Republic’s government to advance the Saemaul Undong in their country. In October 2022, 21 high-ranking officials, including minister-level public servants specially appointed by the President of the Central African Republic, visited Yeungnam University for two weeks to participate in a special training program to explore the localization of the Saemaul Undong.

The President of the Central African Republic, who has shown a special interest in the Saemaul Undong, requested the Korean government to provide Saemaul education for senior officials of his country. This program was conducted by the Institute of International Development Cooperation at Yeungnam University under the sponsorship of KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency). As a result, the Central African Republic has begun to actively promote the Saemaul Undong through government initiatives. Furthermore, in August 2024 and August 2025, senior officials, university professors, and village leaders from the Central African Republic visited Yeungnam University for training as part of an invitation program organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Such ongoing academic exchanges and strong mutual trust have culminated in the admission of a Central African Republic student to the Saemaul Studies master’s program.

Agossingala Soleil Levant, a public enterprise official from the Central African Republic who enrolled in March 2026 in the Department of Saemaul International Development, said, “Many countries look to Korea’s economic prosperity and remarkable growth as a role model. I believe this is why students from developing countries around the world choose the Park Chung Hee Saemaul Graduate School at Yeungnam University. I have high expectations for my studies at Yeungnam University, as I will not only learn about the systematic Saemaul Studies and Korea’s development experience, but also study alongside key government officials and professionals from various fields from around the world and have opportunities to share information and network.”

Choi Oe-chul, president of Yeungnam University, stated, “Saemaul Studies is the academic embodiment of the Saemaul Undong, which transformed the Hongik Ingan philosophy—benefiting all humanity—into policy. It is a practical development model that not only reflects Korea’s experience in overcoming poverty but also helps developing countries achieve self-driven growth. The fact that talents from developing countries who previously participated in training programs at Yeungnam University are now returning to pursue degree programs demonstrates that Saemaul Studies have firmly established themselves as essential educational content for sustainable global development.”

The Park Chung Hee Saemaul Graduate School at Yeungnam University has been cultivating international development experts, primarily among officials of international organizations, public servants from developing countries, and those working in the public sector. Including officials from seven international organizations such as the World Bank and UN WFP, a total of 1,096 talented individuals from 81 countries have studied at the school, making significant contributions to the international community. These graduates serve as key policymakers, international development experts on Saemaul, and Saemaul Undong leaders in central government agencies, public institutions, and international development NGOs in their respective countries. As of March 2026, 158 international students from 29 countries are currently enrolled. On March 30, Yeungnam University held a flag attachment ceremony for the four newly represented countries, with President Choi and key professors, along with international students, in attendance.

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