Honestly, who would have imagined a regional flagship national university ranking 3rd in the world? But KNU did it. This achievement goes beyond mere academic excellence; it’s the result of the university’s deep commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. It’s a moment where the strength accumulated over 80 long years finally shines brightly.

THE World University Impact Rankings: Kyungpook National University’s Unique Status

Kyungpook National University made history for Korean universities by ranking 3rd globally in the ‘2025 THE World University Impact Rankings.’ This evaluation doesn’t just look at research performance or educational standards. It comprehensively assesses how much a university contributes to solving social, economic, and environmental problems based on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In other words, it’s an indicator of how much a university strives to make the world a better place.

• First Korean University to Enter Global Top 3: KNU achieved the remarkable feat of being the first Korean university to rank 3rd globally in this evaluation.
• Assessment of Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): It measures the university’s practical contributions in various fields such as environmental protection, alleviation of social inequality, and health promotion.
• Increased Government and Local Government Financial Support: Following its selection for Glocal University 30, all 16 projects in Daegu City’s RISE program were also selected, securing 163 billion won in financial support over the next five years.

These achievements show that KNU has firmly established itself not just as a ‘university that studies well,’ but as a ‘university essential to society.’ It’s truly a moment one would want to ‘freeze-dry’ and cherish forever.

Fostering Convergent Talent for the Future: Kyungpook National University’s Innovation

Kyungpook National University is not resting on its laurels but is accelerating innovation for the future. In particular, it emphasizes the importance of convergent education to keep pace with rapidly changing times, presenting new talent development models. Convergence collaboration that breaks down boundaries in artificial intelligence (AI), aviation drones, and humanities and social sciences is a prime example.

• AI·Aviation Drone·Humanities and Social Sciences Convergence Collaboration: The Humanities and Social Sciences Convergent Talent Nurturing Project Group, the AI Innovation Convergence University Project Group, and the Aviation Drone Innovation Convergence University Project Group have signed a business agreement, creating synergy between disciplines.
• Operation of an Independent Exhibition Hall at CES 2026: KNU operated an independent exhibition hall at ‘CES 2026,’ the world’s largest IT exhibition, showcasing innovative technologies from student startups and university-affiliated startups to the global market.
• Diverse Innovative Products and New Technologies: Promising technologies such as the smart wearable airbag ‘Air-Chak,’ a swarm drone-based fire extinguishing system, and the AI photo booth ‘Chiki’ were exhibited, attracting significant attention.

These initiatives demonstrate that KNU is focusing not just on knowledge transfer, but on cultivating practical problem-solving abilities and creative talent to lead future society. Universities that are insensitive to change are bound to decline, but KNU is accurately reading the trends.

Commitment to Social Responsibility and the Essence of Education

A university must go beyond being a place for academic inquiry and fulfill its social responsibilities. Kyungpook National University consistently strives to uphold the intrinsic value of education and contribute to society. The record number of successful candidates in the 2026 Secondary School Teacher Appointment Examination is proof of this.

• Record Number of Successful Candidates in Secondary School Teacher Appointment Examination: In the 2026 Secondary School Teacher Appointment Examination, a total of 315 candidates passed (303 for public schools, 12 for private schools), marking the highest record since the introduction of the appointment examination system.
• Disqualification of School Violence Perpetrators: Starting from the 2025 admissions, KNU has applied strict standards, disqualifying 22 applicants who received disciplinary action for school violence. This will be reflected with reinforced standards in the 2026 academic year.
• Graduate Career Outcomes: 49.4% of graduates found employment in large corporations, national/local governments, and public institutions/enterprises, achieving a high employment rate that is double the national average (25.9%).

These results signify that KNU not only selects academically strong students but also places importance on the basic virtues and ethical consciousness required as members of society. It is fulfilling its natural duty as an educational institution. Ultimately, the true value of a university is determined by the role its graduates play in society.

On its 80th anniversary, Kyungpook National University continues to show relentless innovation alongside global recognition. Its journey goes beyond mere university growth, profoundly impacting regional society and national development. We look forward to the new history KNU will write for the next 100 years and beyond.

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