Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) opened 'Student Town,' a new student support platform that consolidates student welfare enhancements and career support functions, on December 3. Moving away from the previous structure in which student self-governance and welfare facilities were scattered across the campus, a large-scale student support hub that integrates study, daily life, and community in a single space has been created.

Student Town was newly constructed at a cost of KRW 23.1 billion and covers approximately 9,470 m². It features comprehensive functions ranging from student convenience facilities to career and employment support, medical and counseling services, and learning spaces.

The first floor houses welfare amenities such as a bank, post office, and bookstore to enhance student convenience. The second floor accommodates the Division of Career Support, the University Press & Broadcasting Service, and AI mock interview rooms, providing ongoing support for students' career exploration and skill development. Health Services and student self-governance organizations will operate on the third floor.

In particular, Student Town has drawn regional attention by establishing a memorial space on the first floor that reflects the historical context of being the site where Lee Se-jong, the first martyr of the May 18 Democratic Movement, lost his life. The space comprises a marker indicating the location where he was found, archival broadcast footage, a bust, and an exhibition of personal items. It has been designed as a symbolic place where students, faculty and staff, and local residents can reflect on the meaning of democracy and community values.

Innovations in learning environments aimed at future education are also notable. On the fourth floor, JBNU's first two advanced lecture rooms using the PBL (Problem-Based Learning) approach have been established. A large surround-style lecture hall accommodating 116 people and a standard lecture room for about 80 people are equipped with electronic whiteboards, flexible movable desks, and group-collaboration ICT equipment, enabling classes centered on discussion, team projects, and problem solving.

JBNU expects this initiative to further expand students' learning opportunities by improving learner engagement, strengthening creative and convergent thinking, and enhancing communication skills.

JBNU plans to develop Student Town into an open activity platform connected with the local community and to continuously expand future education capabilities through AI-based career and employment matching and the advancement of extracurricular programs.

Yang Oh-bong, President of JBNU, said, 'Student Town is a space for students, led by students,' and added, 'We will provide an optimal environment encompassing welfare, career, and learning so that students can freely take on challenges and grow.'

He continued, 'The memorial space for Lee Se-jong will serve as a symbol that preserves the dignity of JBNU's spirit of democratization,' and emphasized, 'We will develop it into an educational venue where pride and community values can be felt.'