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

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 revitalize 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 "Sociocultural Studies 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 academic analysis of Japanese and Korean culture and to promote exchanges aimed at developing the next generation of talent capable of creating new value.

Moving forward, Yamato University and Shinhan University will promote collaboration, including faculty, researcher, and student exchanges, the implementation of joint projects that combine the strengths of both universities, and the joint 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.

<Overview of Shinhan University>

【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 is a relatively young institution that was founded in 1972 and fully launched 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 boasts an average entrance exam competition ratio of over 10:1 and continues to grow while aiming to be "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, primarily freshmen, visited Tsushima for exchange events with local residents, signaling a new focus on cooperation with Japan. A similar visit for about 800 freshmen is planned for May of this year. The university is developing plans to expand joint cultural projects with Japanese educational institutions and local governments, starting with Yamato University.