Jul 6. 2026 - Latest News
In May 2026, in the context of Shenzhen’s upcoming APEC-related international engagement, the School of Design at Southern University of Science and Technology visited Korea, one of the APEC member economies. The visit aimed to strengthen academic exchange with leading Korean universities, expand international collaboration networks, and explore new opportunities in design education, research, and student exchange.
The delegation included Xu LI, Vice Dean for Administration, and Seungwoo JE, Assistant Professor of the School of Design. During the visit, the delegation met with faculty members and administrators from Yonsei University, Sogang University, KAIST, Hannam University, and UNIST. Through meetings, seminars, campus tours, and informal discussions, both sides exchanged ideas on interdisciplinary education, design innovation, joint courses, student mobility, and future research collaboration.
Building New Educational Collaboration with Yonsei University
On the morning of May 27, the delegation visited Yonsei University, focusing on Underwood International College, Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Division, and Design Factory Korea. The delegation met with Younah Kang, Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and Bokyung Lee, Assistant Professor.
The discussion focused on future collaboration between Yonsei University and SUSTech School of Design. Both sides explored the possibility of establishing an MOU, launching a joint course, and developing student exchange opportunities. The delegation also visited the Songdo campus to better understand Yonsei University’s international education environment and campus infrastructure.
This visit laid an important foundation for future cooperation in joint teaching, student mobility, and long-term academic partnership. The visit to Design Factory Korea also provided valuable insights into project-based learning, interdisciplinary education, and global collaboration models.
Group photo at Yonsei University
Meeting with Yonsei faculty, visit to Design Factory Korea or campus facilities
Exploring Art, Technology, and Interdisciplinary Education at Sogang University
On the afternoon of May 27, the delegation visited the Department of Art & Technology at Sogang University. The delegation met with Yongsoon Choi, Professor and Head of Department, and Sunok Lee, Assistant Professor.
During the visit, the delegation learned about the department’s academic structure, educational direction, and major facilities. The meeting provided an opportunity to understand how Sogang University integrates art, technology, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning within its curriculum.
Seungwoo JE, Assistant Professor, also delivered a research talk during the visit, creating a meaningful opportunity for academic exchange with faculty members and students. The research sharing and discussions helped identify shared interests in interdisciplinary education, art-technology integration, and future collaborative activities.
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Seminar at Sogang University
Group photo with faculty and students, facility tour
Exchanging Ideas with KAIST Industrial Design
On the morning of May 28, the delegation visited the Department of Industrial Design at KAIST. The delegation met with Hyeon-Jeong Suk, Professor and Head of Department; Tek-Jin Nam, Professor and former Head of the Department, Woohun Lee, Professor, Andrea Bianchi, Associate Professor, and E Roon Kang, Associate Professor.
The meeting covered KAIST Industrial Design’s educational philosophy, research direction, curriculum structure, and opportunities for future collaboration. Through the discussion, the delegation gained valuable insights into how KAIST ID grew in the past 40 years through developing a set of academic assessment criteria that connects design research, technology, human-centered innovation, and interdisciplinary education.
The delegation also toured the university’s Idea Factory facilities, the campus art museum, history museum, the KAIST brand shop. These visits helped the delegation better understand how KAIST has benefited through design in presenting its institutional identity and culture.
A lunch meeting was held in a more informal setting, allowing faculty members from both sides to exchange ideas on research collaboration, academic exchange, and future partnership opportunities.
Group photo with KAIST Industrial Design faculty
Faculty meeting, museum or brand shop tour, visit of Idea Factory
Visiting the Hannam Design Factory
On the afternoon of May 28, the delegation visited Hannam Design Factory at Hannam University. The delegation met with Hyun-Woong Jin, Professor and Director of Hannam Design Factory, and Mickey An, Team Leader of Hannam Design Factory.
The visit focused on the operation of the Hannam Design Factory, including its curriculum structure, management system, project-based learning approach, and international collaboration experience. Through detailed discussions, the delegation learned how Hannam Design Factory operates as a member of the Design Factory Global Network initiated by Alto University for experimental prototyping, real-world innovation learning, and transdisciplinary and cross-stakeholder co-creation.
Group photo at Hannam Design Factory
Meeting with Hannam Design Factory team,
Design Factory space and student projects
Discussing Research Collaboration with UNIST Design
On May 29, the delegation visited the Department of Design at UNIST. The delegation met with Young-Woo Park, Professor and incoming head of department, James Andrew Self, Professor, Kyungho Lee, Associate Professor, and Dajung Kim, Assistant Professor.
During the visit, both sides discussed future cooperation in design education and research. The department tour and lunch meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange practical insights and understand UNIST Design’s research environment, educational strengths, and academic culture.
The discussion confirmed strong potential for future collaboration between UNIST and SUSTech School of Design, particularly in joint research project, interdisciplinary education, student exchange, and academic-industrial collaboration.
Group photo with UNIST Design faculty
Department tour, meeting
This visit to Korea marked an important step in strengthening the SUSTech School of Design’s international academic network. Through direct engagement with leading Korean universities, the delegation built meaningful connections with academic leaders, faculty members, and educational program directors; and created concrete opportunities for collaborations in research, curriculum development, international education and scholar exchange.
As Shenzhen continues to expand its role as an international hub for innovation and academic exchange, the School of Design will continue to build strong partnerships with universities across APEC member economies and beyond. The Korea visit provided not only new institutional connections, but also valuable inspiration for future education, research, and global collaboration.
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