Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) has invited 29 students from Thailand's Naresuan University and Prince of Songkla University to participate in a Thailand‑customized program, 'The Feeling Korea,' which will run for two weeks.

JBNU launched the program in earnest on May 20 with a welcome ceremony and a campus tour. In the mornings students attend Korean language classes. In the afternoons they experience various aspects of Korean culture, including making hanji paper fans, preparing bibimbap, wearing hanbok, and crafting handmade seals. They will also visit Muju's Deogyusan, Damyang's Soswaewon, and Jinan's ginseng spas to explore Korea's beautiful natural scenery and cultural heritage.

JBNU has announced plans to attract 5,000 international students through the Glocal University 30 initiative and is actively conducting recruitment activities targeting overseas universities and students. This program is also part of the Glocal University 30 initiative. In cooperation with 14 municipal and county governments, it uses Jeonbuk's outstanding tourist resources to introduce foreign students to Korea's valuable cultural assets and encourage them to study in Korea.

Notably, through this Thailand‑customized program JBNU intends to sign substantive MOUs with prominent Thai universities. The university plans to actively promote and support pathways for Thai students to enroll at JBNU as exchange students or in degree programs. 

Phisut Apichayaku, Vice‑President for International Exchange and Technology Transfer of Naresuan University, visited JBNU with 19 students to hold in‑depth discussions on academic exchange and collaborative research between the two institutions. He showed particular interest in entrepreneurship programs, including visits to JBNU's Entrepreneurship Education Center and Startup Support Center.

Cherdchai Udomphan, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Prince of Songkla University, visited JBNU with 11 participating students and expressed a desire to develop experiential programs that help Thai students understand Korean culture—similar to The Feeling Korea—and to invite JBNU students to Thailand. The two universities also agreed to cooperate on developing teaching materials in Korean language education, supporting Korean language learning, and assisting Korean language education activities for secondary schools in southern Thailand. They plan to engage in active research collaboration, including holding joint conferences at the college level.

Cho Hwa-rim, Director of the Office of International Affairs at JBNU, said, "The Feeling Korea program is highly significant as it is the first customized program offered specifically for Thai universities. Interest from foreign universities in this program is increasing every year. We will promote customized programs to meet diverse needs, raise JBNU’s profile among overseas universities, and strive to attract international students."