Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) (President Yang Oh-bong)'s Cultural Arts–Tourism Convergence Coupling Project Group (Director Professor Lee Hwa-dong; hereinafter the Coupling Project Group) was selected for the '2024 University Industry–University–Government Coupling Project' organized by Jeollabuk-do.

In particular, the Cultural Arts Coupling Project Group, which received the highest S grade in last year's performance evaluation, has again earned the highest rating in this year's selection review, confirming its excellence.

The Coupling Project Group, based on an industry–university–government collaboration system, is actively engaged in cultivating high-level professionals in cultural arts and tourism content through four initiatives: customized workforce training programs, systematic employment support, establishment and operation of industry–university cooperation support systems, and development of cultural arts and tourism content programs.

The Coupling Project Group enables participating students to complete its uniquely developed cultural arts–tourism content programs. It operates certification programs to help students obtain qualifications, including the Level-2 National Certificate in Cultural Arts and certificate programs issued by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Traditional Play Specialist, Arts Educator, Broadcast Arts Specialist). These efforts have established the Group as a successful model of industry–university cooperation.

Through operation of the project, it has achieved an average employment rate of over 90% over the past three years. As of March, 60% of students have secured early employment in related fields, and 89% are expected to be employed.

Thanks to these outstanding results, applications from College of Arts students to the Coupling Project Group have increased. Cultural arts and tourism-related companies in Jeollabuk-do have been contacting the Group continuously regarding participation agreements and preferential hiring commitments.

In particular, support from Jeollabuk-do and cooperation from partner companies have been instrumental in achieving these results. Jeollabuk-do has provided financial support to ensure stable operation, and its relevant department, the Education Cooperation Promotion Division, continuously supplies necessary information to help ensure the project's successful execution.

Additionally, participating companies make initial personnel requests to the Coupling Project Group when staffing needs arise under preferential hiring agreements. Adjunct professors from partner companies provide character education lectures to help Coupling Project Group students develop positive perspectives on companies and careers.

Director Lee Hwa-dong said, 'This year's operation of the project will again be of great help to students who face difficulties finding employment due to the specific nature of the College of Arts,' and added, 'We will do our best to cultivate competitive, customized professionals endowed with the expertise, creativity, and character preferred by companies.'