Cambodian University Students Visit Yeungnam University, the Birthplace of 'Saemaeul Studies,' for Training

University students majoring in Saemaeul Studies from Cambodia visited Korea, the birthplace of the Saemaeul Movement.

As Saemaeul scholars, they visited Yeungnam University (President Choi Oechul), which systematized and established Saemaeul Studies as an academic discipline, and underwent a 4-night, 5-day training program before returning home.

The Cambodian delegation visiting Yeungnam University this time includes HOK Thavuth, Vice President of Western University, LONG Sovang, Dean of Graduate School, as well as professors and students from the Department of Saemaeul Economic Development. Western University operates a ‘2+2 dual degree program’ with Yeungnam University’s Department of Saemaeul International Development.

Students and professors studying Saemaeul Studies at Western University in Cambodia gathered together for a photo after visiting Yeungnam University.

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In 2020, Yeungnam University signed an agreement with Western University to implement the dual degree program in Saemaeul Studies, and in 2022, Western University established the Department of Saemaeul Economic Development, enrolling its first 36 freshmen that year.

These students study at Western University for two years, then transfer to Yeungnam University’s Department of Saemaeul International Development in 2024 to study Saemaeul Studies in Korea for another two years. Upon graduation, they receive bachelor’s degrees from both Western University and Yeungnam University.

This is the first case where an indigenous academic discipline founded in Korea produces Saemaeul graduates simultaneously in both countries through a dual degree program.

HOK Thavuth, Vice President of Western University who led the delegation visiting Yeungnam University, said, “Students majoring in Saemaeul Studies will be greatly motivated by visiting Yeungnam University, which has established Saemaeul Studies and is globally recognized for its education and research expertise in Saemaeul international development. I ask Yeungnam University to actively cooperate in developing the students’ global competencies. I also hope to expand exchanges between the two universities in various fields beyond Saemaeul Studies.”

Var Sovanrathana, a student of the Department of Saemaeul Economic Development at Western University, said, “I came to Korea with great expectations to visit Yeungnam University, where I will study abroad starting next year. The campus was even more impressive than I expected. I am looking forward to studying at Yeungnam University next year.” He added, “Although the training period was short, President Choi Oechul’s special lecture was especially memorable. It gave me a clearer conviction about what and how to study as a Saemaeul scholar and what kind of life I should lead in the future.”

Students of the Department of Saemaeul Economic Development at Western University are actively learning Korean as well as their major subjects. Last year, Western University opened the Korean Language Education and Culture Center, which serves as a hub for local students to acquire Korean language and culture. Yeungnam University played a significant role in this as well.

President Choi Oechul of Yeungnam University has played a decisive role in rooting Korean education, culture, and Saemaeul Studies in Cambodia.

Since 2014, President Choi, who has served as an advisor to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, was directly requested by Prime Minister Hun Sen and Deputy Prime Minister Yim Chhay Ly to transfer Saemaeul Studies. Yeungnam University actively supported the establishment of the local Department of Saemaeul Economic Development and the Korean Language Education and Culture Center, achieving this outcome.

Last year, the department’s inauguration ceremony and the opening of the Korean Language Education and Culture Center attracted significant attention, with local state broadcasters and major media outlets competing to cover the events.

At the time of the establishment of the Department of Saemaeul Economic Development at Western University last year, Te Laurent, Chairman of Western University, described it as “the most meaningful and important event since the founding of Western University,” reflecting the high level of interest and expectations in Cambodia.

Choi Oechul, president of Yeungnam University, known as the 'Saemaeul Evangelist,' is giving a special lecture to Cambodian students visiting the school.

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President Choi Oechul of Yeungnam University said, “Meeting the students of Western University’s Department of Saemaeul Economic Development who visited Yeungnam University brings a fresh sense of accomplishment as the fruit of our relationship with Cambodia since 2014. These students will be the first graduates to receive dual degrees from both universities. They will have job opportunities in both Korea and Cambodia and many chances to contribute on the global stage, especially in addressing global challenges such as poverty eradication and improving residents’ quality of life.” He added, “I hope they will lead not only the development and exchange between the two countries but also global social contribution activities.”

The Western University delegation visiting Korea from the 3rd for 4 nights and 5 days toured Yeungnam University’s Central Library, Museum, dormitories, and had major exchanges with students from Yeungnam University’s Department of Saemaeul International Development. They also held a meeting to build consensus on social contribution activities with Yeungnam University’s Social Contribution Group and global social contribution efforts.

In addition, they conducted field learning by visiting the Cheongdo Saemaeul Movement Origin Memorial Hall.

Yeungnam University and Western University have actively cooperated in programs of the World Bank, an international organization aiming to eradicate global poverty and support economic development in developing countries, and are expected to contribute to achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) jointly promoted by the international community.

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