Jeonbuk National University (JBNU), which aims to be a globally renowned university most representative of Korean tradition in both curricula and campus appearance through the Comprehensive Hanok Technology Center, the Hanok Major of the Graduate School of Environment, and the establishment of a Hanok skilled workforce training program at the Gochang Campus, will be able to further enhance the professionalism of practical Hanok education.

On September 8 at 11:30 a.m., the university signed an agreement with the Training Center operated by Master Carpenter Choi Ki-young, holder of a National Important Intangible Cultural Property, to provide Hanok-specialized education.

Master Carpenter Choi Ki-young is the holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 74, and his craft is listed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He is a leading master in Korea's hanok field, having overseen projects including the Buyeo Baekje Reproduction Complex, the Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple, and the restoration of Woljeonggyo Bridge in Gyeongju.

Under the agreement, Master Carpenter Choi will provide on-site practical instruction in Hanok education and share a wide range of construction know-how. The agreement also establishes opportunities for students to be dispatched to Master Choi's Training Center to acquire Hanok techniques.

Notably, prior to the signing ceremony, President Seo Geo-seok delivered a special lecture to architects training at the Comprehensive Hanok Technology Center. After the ceremony, Master Choi's special lecture followed and was met with strong support.

President Seo Geo-seok said, "I am very pleased that our students receiving Hanok architecture education will have the opportunity to learn directly from Master Choi Ki-young, a master carpenter and artisan who represents the Republic of Korea. I ask for his generous advice and guidance so that more outstanding talents in Hanok architecture may be produced at JBNU, the mecca of Hanok architecture in the Republic of Korea."

Meanwhile, the university was the first in the country to establish a Hanok major in the Graduate School of Environment, and it was selected by the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs as a Hanok specialized training institution. The Hanok Architecture Comprehensive Center has been providing Hanok education to practicing architects. The Wooden Construction Skilled Workforce Training Project Group at the newly opened Gochang Campus is also conducting training to cultivate Hanok skilled personnel. From this year, Hanok-specialized education will be offered to students of the Department of Architectural Engineering.