Yamato University and Shinhan University of South Korea Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Academic Exchange

From left: Ryotaro Tanose (Chancellor, Yamato University), Shinji Matsumoto (President, Yamato University), Cho Yun-jae (Dean of Graduate School, Shinhan University), Kim Nam-jung (Dean of Student Affairs, Shinhan University)

Yamato University (Location: Suita, Osaka; President: Shinji Matsumoto) and Shinhan University (Location: Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; President: Kang Sung-jong) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday to activate educational and academic exchanges between the two institutions. In recent years, the economic influence of "cultural content"—such as anime, games, fashion, and beauty—has grown alongside digital evolution and globalization, creating a demand for creative talent capable of utilizing these assets strategically. Yamato University, which will establish a "Social Culture Course" in its Faculty of Sociology in 2026 to promote education that connects modern culture to business and social contribution, found common ground with Shinhan University, which focuses on training talent for the "K-Beauty" and "K-Culture" industries using cutting-edge technologies like VR. This MOU was signed to foster next-generation talent capable of academically analyzing Japanese and Korean culture and creating new value. Moving forward, Yamato University and Shinhan University will promote collaboration through faculty, researcher, and student exchanges, as well as joint projects that combine the strengths of both universities and the development of curricula utilizing digital technology. With this agreement, the universities aim to transcend cultural boundaries and cultivate talent capable of thriving in the global content industry and the international community.

【Headquarters】: 95, Hoam-ro, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea 【Founded】: March 1972 【Educational Foundation】: Shinheung Academy 【President】: Kang Sung-jong (3rd President) Located in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, near Seoul, Shinhan University was founded in 1972 and relaunched as a comprehensive university in 2014. With nearly 8,000 students, it offers specialized departments reflecting next-generation needs, such as K-Pop and K-Beauty. Despite South Korea's declining birthrate, the university maintains an average entrance competition ratio of over 10:1 and continues to grow with the goal of being "one-of-a-kind." Last year, marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea, approximately 1,100 students visited Tsushima for exchange events, marking a new focus on cooperation with Japan. A similar visit for about 800 new students is planned for May this year. The university is developing plans to conduct various joint cultural projects with Japanese educational institutions and local governments, including Yamato University.

Shinhan University, South Korea