Jeonbuk National University Logo Jeonbuk National University

Address: 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 54896, South Korea
Phone: +82 63 270 2114
Email: jbnu@jbnu.ac.kr
Website: www.jbnu.ac.kr


Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) has specific language requirements for international students, depending on the language of instruction for their chosen programs. Here’s an overview of the language requirements:

1. Programs Taught in English

For international students applying to programs offered in English, the following language proficiency tests are commonly accepted:

  • TOEFL (iBT): A minimum score of 80 or higher.
  • IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 or higher.
  • TOEIC: Some programs may accept a minimum score of around 750.

The specific requirements may vary by program, so it’s essential to check the exact criteria for the department or course you are interested in.

2. Programs Taught in Korean

For programs conducted in Korean, international students typically need to demonstrate proficiency in the Korean language. The common requirements include:

  • TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean):
    • Undergraduate Programs: Generally require at least TOPIK Level 3.
    • Graduate Programs: Generally require at least TOPIK Level 4.

Students who do not meet the required TOPIK level may be conditionally accepted and may need to enroll in Korean language courses offered by JBNU until they achieve the necessary proficiency.

3. Exemptions from Language Requirements

Certain applicants may be exempt from submitting language test scores if they meet specific criteria, such as:

  • Completing their previous education (high school or undergraduate) in an English-speaking country or in a program where English was the medium of instruction.
  • Holding a degree from a university in Korea where Korean was the language of instruction.

4. Language Support Services

JBNU offers various language support services for students, including:

  • Korean language courses for international students to improve their language skills.
  • English language support for students enrolled in English-taught programs, including writing and speaking assistance.

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) is a prominent institution in South Korea, known for its comprehensive academic programs and research initiatives. Here’s an overview of the course specialties offered at JBNU:

1. College of Humanities

  • Specialties:
    • Korean Language and Literature: Studies focused on Korean language, literature, and culture.
    • Philosophy: Exploration of various philosophical traditions and contemporary issues.
    • History: Emphasis on Korean history and global historical contexts.

2. College of Social Sciences

  • Specialties:
    • Political Science: Covers political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.
    • Sociology: Studies of social behavior, institutions, and cultural dynamics.
    • Economics: Focus on economic theory, microeconomics, and macroeconomics.

3. College of Natural Sciences

  • Specialties:
    • Mathematics: Pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and computational mathematics.
    • Physics: Studies in classical and modern physics, including applied physics.
    • Chemistry: Organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry studies.

4. College of Engineering

  • Specialties:
    • Mechanical Engineering: Design and analysis of mechanical systems and materials.
    • Civil Engineering: Infrastructure development, environmental engineering, and urban planning.
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering: Focus on electronics, telecommunications, and computer systems.

5. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

  • Specialties:
    • Agronomy: Crop production, plant breeding, and agricultural technology.
    • Animal Science: Studies related to livestock management and animal health.
    • Food Science: Focus on food technology, safety, and nutrition.

6. College of Medicine

  • Specialties:
    • Medicine: Comprehensive medical training, clinical practice, and research.
    • Pharmacy: Pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, and drug development.

7. College of Arts

  • Specialties:
    • Fine Arts: Various disciplines including painting, sculpture, and design.
    • Music: Music theory, composition, and performance.
    • Theater and Film: Studies in performing arts and film production.

8. Graduate School

  • Specialties:
    • Offers various master's and doctoral programs across all colleges, allowing for advanced research and specialization in specific fields.

9. Interdisciplinary Programs

  • JBNU encourages interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to combine courses from different departments to tailor their education to specific interests.

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) is home to a number of distinguished professors who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Here are some notable professors recognized for their achievements and expertise at JBNU:

1. Professor Lee Yong-hee

  • Department: Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Specialty: Plant genetics and breeding
  • Achievements: Known for his research in improving crop yields and resistance to diseases through biotechnology. He has published numerous papers in prestigious journals and received multiple awards for his contributions to agricultural science.

2. Professor Kim Jin-suk

  • Department: Mechanical Engineering
  • Specialty: Robotics and automation
  • Achievements: Professor Kim is renowned for his work in the field of robotics, particularly in designing intelligent robotic systems. His research has applications in manufacturing and healthcare.

3. Professor Park Jae-hong

  • Department: Civil Engineering
  • Specialty: Structural engineering and earthquake resistance
  • Achievements: A leading researcher in structural safety, Professor Park has conducted extensive studies on the seismic performance of buildings and infrastructure, contributing to safer construction practices.

4. Professor Choi Soo-young

  • Department: Pharmacy
  • Specialty: Pharmacology and drug development
  • Achievements: Professor Choi's research focuses on the development of new pharmaceuticals and understanding drug interactions. She has received accolades for her contributions to the field of medicinal chemistry.

5. Professor Ahn Seung-kyu

  • Department: Computer Science
  • Specialty: Artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • Achievements: A recognized expert in AI, Professor Ahn's work involves developing algorithms for data analysis and pattern recognition, with applications in various industries, including healthcare and finance.

6. Professor Kim Kyung-sook

  • Department: Korean Language and Literature
  • Specialty: Korean literature and cultural studies
  • Achievements: Known for her research in contemporary Korean literature, Professor Kim has published extensively on the intersection of literature and social issues in Korea.

7. Professor Seo Jeong-ho

  • Department: Political Science
  • Specialty: International relations and security studies
  • Achievements: Professor Seo's research focuses on East Asian security dynamics and international relations theory. He has contributed to policy discussions on regional security issues.

8. Professor Im Hee-kyung

  • Department: Biotechnology
  • Specialty: Microbiology and bioprocess engineering
  • Achievements: An expert in microbial fermentation processes, Professor Im has published significant research on biofuel production and environmental biotechnology.

9. Professor Lee Sang-woo

  • Department: Economics
  • Specialty: Development economics and public policy
  • Achievements: Professor Lee's research involves economic development strategies and the impact of public policy on economic growth, contributing to both academic literature and practical policy-making.

10. Professor Jeong Soo-kyung

  • Department: Fine Arts
  • Specialty: Contemporary art and art education
  • Achievements: A noted artist and educator, Professor Jeong has contributed to the discourse on contemporary art practices in Korea and has participated in numerous exhibitions and projects.

As of now, Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) does not have any Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty or alumni. However, JBNU is recognized for its academic excellence and research contributions, especially in fields like agriculture, biotechnology, engineering, and the natural sciences. While the university may not yet have a Nobel laureate, its research and educational programs have made significant impacts in both Korea and the global academic community.

Jeonju, South Korea, has been recognized by CNN and the global travel magazine “Lonely Planet” as one of the top three tourist attractions in Asia. Jeonbuk National University, established in 1947 and with a  history of over 70 years, is Jeonju’s premier university.
With campuses in the surrounding areas of Iksan, Gunsan-Semangeum, Gochang, Jeongeup, and Wanju, Jeonbuk National University operates 15 colleges, including colleges of Engineering, Agricultural Life Science, Medicine, Liberal Arts, and Natural Science. Active research is being conducted in 12 graduate schools, including 2 specialized graduate schools. The university has 1,023 full-time professors, 900 staff, and 22,000 students were enrolled in 2019. 
Jeonbuk National University’s goal is to be a "rewarding university and close companion". A “rewarding university” is one that provides a consistently high quality learning environment by improving its programs, attracting outstanding students and strengthening the competitiveness of its education and research. By “close companion” we mean that the university and the community collaborate together on the basis of principles such as decentralization, empathy, and fusion, thus laying the foundations for our next 100 years together.
Also, Jeonbuk National University, which has solidified its position as a prestigious international university through constant change and innovation, now also looks to become “The Best Glocal University” by taking a leading role in the development of Jeonju and the Jeollabukdo region.
Jeonbuk National University is competing with universities within Korea and around the world. In the world university evaluations conducted by Times Higher Education (THE), from 2015 the university has established itself in the 1st or 2nd place spots among the 9 Korean national universities.
According to the QS world university evaluation, we have maintained second place among national universities for the seventh consecutive year from 2013 to 2019. In Reuters Asia's Innovative University Evaluation in 2018, Leiden ranking (the ratio of the top 10% of citations), one of the qualitative scales of professors and other national universities, we have also been ranked first among national universities consecutively in South Korea since 2016.
However, we are not satisfied with only this, and so we have been developing combined human resources under our mission of becoming a Best Glocal University that leads both our region and the world, and a university that contributes to our region and the world by enhancing research. In the field of education, Jeonbuk National University has established the Asian University Education Association (AUEA) and a joint degree system has been put in place in order to provide education tailored to individual characteristics, and to implement practical capacity and Glocal education. In the research field, we support challenging research and provide intensive support for future new technology development and multidisciplinary research. Through industry-education cooperation, we seek to solve problems in local communities, lead local industries and cultures, and expand global partnerships.

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) is well-regarded for several reasons, contributing to its reputation both nationally and internationally. Here are some of the key factors that make JBNU famous:

1. Academic Excellence

  • JBNU consistently ranks among the top universities in South Korea, known for its rigorous academic standards and quality of education across various disciplines.

2. Strong Research Programs

  • The university is recognized for its research contributions, particularly in fields such as agriculture, engineering, and natural sciences. JBNU has established several research institutes and centers that promote innovation and technology development.

3. Specialization in Agriculture and Life Sciences

  • JBNU is particularly known for its programs in agriculture and life sciences. As one of the leading agricultural universities in Korea, it focuses on agricultural research, technology, and sustainable practices, making significant contributions to the agricultural sector.

4. International Collaborations

  • The university has developed partnerships with various institutions worldwide, facilitating student exchange programs, joint research projects, and international conferences. This global perspective enhances the educational experience.

5. Comprehensive Course Offerings

  • JBNU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, allowing students to pursue diverse academic interests. The flexibility in course selection attracts a broad spectrum of students.

6. Commitment to Community Service

  • The university emphasizes social responsibility and community engagement, encouraging students to participate in service projects and initiatives that benefit local communities. This commitment enhances its reputation as a socially responsible institution.

7. Strong Alumni Network

  • JBNU has a vast alumni network that includes successful professionals in various fields, including academia, government, business, and industry. The achievements of its graduates reflect positively on the university.

8. Campus Facilities and Environment

  • The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and recreational areas. The conducive learning environment supports students’ academic and personal development.

9. Cultural and Extracurricular Activities

  • JBNU promotes a vibrant campus life with numerous cultural events, clubs, and extracurricular activities. This engagement enriches the student experience and fosters a sense of community.

10. Innovative Programs

  • The university continually updates and enhances its programs to meet the changing demands of the job market and society, particularly in areas like technology and sustainability.