“YU is making significant efforts to promote the Saemaul Movement globally."

"Many leaders at the Korea-Africa Summit spoke highly of YU's Saemaul Studies."

[June 25, 2024]

<President YOON Suk-yeol poses for a commemorative photo with President CHOI Oe-chool of YU in front of former President Park Chung-hee’s handwriting (photo provided by the presidential office)>

 During President Yoon Suk-yeol’s “People’s Livelihood Forum,” YU’s flagship program, Saemaul Studies, garnered attention.  On June 20, YU's Saemaul Studies once again garnered attention, following the recent Korea-Africa Summit, during the 26th "People’s Livelihood Forum" themed "Northeast Asia Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Hub, Gyeongbuk," held at LEE Si-won Global Convention Hall of YU Cheonma Art Center. 

President YOON began his opening remarks by sharing his connection to YU, “When I worked in Daegu, I often visited the Samcheonji and the museum at YU. It has always been a place where I felt at ease.” He continued, “The Saemaul Movement was not just a rural movement but a comprehensive social movement that significantly empowered our people across all industries.  The voluntary and leading efforts of the residents of Gyeongbuk greatly contributed to national development. YU is making considerable efforts to continue this great history and share it globally.  Since the establishment of the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul(PSPS) in 2011, the university has educated over a thousand students from 73 countries on the experiences of the Saemaul Movement.”

 In further remarks, President Yoon noted, “YU's Saemaul Studies, which systematizes the Saemaul Movement and our development experiences, received significant interest and attention from various leaders at the Korea-Africa Summit. I heard many stories from African leaders about how numerous national leaders and young people have studied state development at YU and made substantial contributions.”

Governor LEE Cheol-woo of Gyeongsangbuk-do, who attended the forum, also highlighted the global efforts of the province's Saemaul Movement, stating, “It was President CHOI Oe-chool of YU who academicized the Saemaul Movement and established PSPS. Many influential figures worldwide have come to YU for education.” 

<President YOON Suk-yeol receives an explanation while visiting the history hall of YU's museum (photo provided by the presidential office)>

 After the forum, President YOON moved to the YU Museum, where he visited the history hall displaying records of former President PARK Chung-hee and took a commemorative photo in front of PARK’s handwritten calligraphy, reflecting on the footsteps of the leader who spearheaded Korea’s modernization.

President CHOI Oe-chool of YU, who accompanied President YOON during the forum and museum visit, commented, “It seems that our efforts to academicize Korea’s development experience and the Saemaul Movement and provide Saemaul education globally have been well-received. The core spirit of the Saemaul Movement, which is solving various local development issues, remains fundamental. We will strive to contribute to regional and national development based on the Saemaul Movement and its spirit. We aim to incorporate innovative and symbiotic success models with universities, local governments, communities, and industries into the Glocal University 30 project plan, which is currently under preparation, to ensure the success of the local era.”

 The forum was attended by over 100 participants, including local residents, business people from the new energy industry in Gyeongbuk, startup entrepreneurs, parents, and members of the Gyeongbuk Regional Era Committee. Representatives from the government and local authorities included WOO Dong-gi, Chairman of the Regional Era Committee, LEE Sang-min, Minister of the Interior and Safety, AHN Deok-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, PARK Sang-woo, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and OH Young-joo, Minister of SMEs and Startups. From the presidential office, attendees included Policy Chief SUNG Tae-yoon, Economic Secretary PARK Chun-seob, and Social Secretary JANG Sang-yoon, who shared various opinions on regional development and innovation.