KINGS NEWS
Prof. Woo-yong Jung of the department of NPP Eng. Published in World-Leading Journals across Engineering and Social Sciences
Prof. Woo-yong Jung
(Department of NPP Engineering)
Professor Woo-yong Jung, who leads the project management field at KINGS, has recently published two research papers as corresponding author in world-leading journals spanning both engineering and social sciences.
In 2025, Professor Jung's team published "Automated safety risk management guidance enhanced by retrieval-augmented large language model" in Automation in Construction. The study combined Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) with a large language model, drawing on 64,740 real construction accident cases to automatically generate task-specific safety guidance. In a double-blind evaluation, the system's guidance was rated equivalent to or better than that produced by safety managers with more than 20 years of field experience. Automation in Construction ranked first in Impact Factor in the JCR Civil Engineering category in 2023 and 2024, and second in 2025, standing as the leading journal in construction automation research.
In 2026, Professor Jung's team published "Risk Manageability for Sustainable Public–Private Partnerships Development: Evidence From 25 International Projects" in Sustainable Development. The study examined 25 overseas energy infrastructure PPP projects involving Korean firms, tracking how 27 key risks evolved between the project selection phase and the bid and proposal phase. The findings demonstrate that project success is determined less by initial risk exposure than by stakeholders' capacity to actively reduce risk during development — a concept the paper terms risk manageability. Sustainable Development ranked first in Impact Factor in the JCR Development Studies category for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025), and stands alongside World Development as one of the leading journals in international development research.
Consecutive publications in the top-ranked journal of each field — engineering and social sciences — reflect a breadth of scholarship directly aligned with KINGS' founding mission of developing talent for nuclear export. From on-site safety and construction management at overseas nuclear projects to risk and viability assessment of large-scale infrastructure ventures, Professor Jung's two studies provide foundational research applicable to distinct phases of Korea's nuclear and infrastructure export activities.
※ 해당 논문 URL
1. Automation in Construction
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092658052500295X
2. Sustainable Development
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/sd.71181
FIFA World Cup 2026 with KINGS
KINGS has so far produced 656 graduates from 35 countries, playing a key role in cultivating global talent in the nuclear and energy sectors. In the current FIFA World Cup, 12 countries represented among KINGS students and graduates have qualified for the group stage. Among them, 6 countries have advanced to the Round of 32 and 3 countries to the Round of 16, demonstrating strong performances on the global stage. The KINGS community is sincerely supporting one another’s challenges and achievements, beyond differences in nationality and team.
Building on this World Cup experience, KINGS seeks to further expand the value of “solidarity in diversity” demonstrated through sports into its international education and research activities. KINGS will continue to strengthen its international cooperation network so that more students from around the world can learn and grow together at KINGS, and will remain committed to its role as a global educational institution that supports the challenges and growth of all nations beyond borders.
[KINGS Student Countries Participating in the World Cup]
□ Countries in the Group Stage (12)
Brazil, Czech Republic, Egypt, Ghana, Jordan, Mexico, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Republic of Korea
□ Countries in the Round of 32 (6)
Brazil, Egypt, Ghana, Mexico, Senegal, South Africa
□ Countries in the Round of 16 (3)
Brazil, Egypt, Mexico
Cultural Trip to Foster Global Networking Successfully Concluded
KINGS held its first-semester Cultural Trip (CT) from June 17 to 19 for 64 first-year students, including exchange students, with the aim of fostering global networking. The program featured a variety of activities, including rafting on the Gyeongho River, team-building sessions, outdoor mission games, a cultural and historical visit to the Gyeongju National Museum, and a tour of Hyundai Motor Company, a leading global Korean enterprise. Through these diverse activities, domestic and international students had the opportunity to interact naturally and build connections, experiencing what it means to be “One KINGS.” The program also provided a meaningful opportunity to witness the excellence of Korea’s global industries firsthand. International students shared that “it was a valuable experience where we could appreciate the uniqueness of Korean culture and grow closer with fellow students.” KINGS plans to continue enhancing the diversity and effectiveness of its CT program by actively reflecting student feedback.
Master's Students in the Department of Nuclear Power Plant Engineering Complete Field Study Program at Leading Nuclear Institutions in Europe
KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) successfully conducted a global field study program for master's students in the Department of Nuclear Power Plant Engineering, providing them with firsthand experience at leading nuclear institutions across France, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
The program was organized to enhance students' understanding of the global nuclear industry and develop internationally competent nuclear professionals through collaboration with major European nuclear organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the French nuclear fuel company ORANO, and Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU).
The field study was conducted from June 21 to June 28, 2026 (8 days and 6 nights) as part of the Summer 2026 course "Safety Culture and Communication." During the program, participants visited prominent organizations representing international organizations, industry, and academia, gaining firsthand insight into the global nuclear sector.
The first visit took place on June 22 at the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache, France. Following an overview of the ITER project presented by senior representatives, the participants toured the construction site and the Assembly Hall, where they observed the world's largest fusion research and development project and gained a deeper understanding of the principles and key technologies of fusion power, one of the most promising future energy sources.
On June 23, the students visited the ORANO Georges Besse II Uranium Enrichment Plant in France. They learned about the uranium enrichment process and the facility's role in the nuclear fuel cycle while examining its safety management and nuclear material control systems. The visit provided valuable insight into the overall nuclear fuel supply chain supporting commercial nuclear power generation.
On June 24, the participants visited the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria. Through lectures delivered by IAEA experts, they explored the Agency's technical cooperation activities and practical applications in member states. They also enhanced their understanding of spent fuel management and Deep Geological Repositories (DGRs). In addition, the program covered technologies for high-level radioactive waste disposal, current international trends, and global cooperation initiatives in radioactive waste management, providing participants with broader perspectives on key issues facing the international nuclear community.
From June 25 to 26, the students visited Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU). They attended lectures on the university's education and research activities in nuclear engineering and toured the VR-1 research reactor, gaining firsthand experience with the Czech Republic's nuclear education and research infrastructure. The visit also provided valuable opportunities to engage with local faculty members and experts, helping students expand their international professional networks.
KINGS considers this program to have provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the global nuclear ecosystem by integrating perspectives from international organizations, industry, and academia. Through these firsthand experiences, the participants strengthened the practical competencies and global perspectives required of future nuclear professionals who will contribute to international cooperation and the continued advancement of the global nuclear industry.
<June 22 in ITER>
<June 23 in ORANO>
<June 24 in the IAEA>
<June 25 in CTU>
Implementation of Community Contribution Activities (Environmental Cleanup Volunteering)
KINGS carried out an environmental cleanup volunteer activity with faculty and staff on the afternoon of June 10 at NASA Beach in Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan. Participants collected various household waste and debris in and around the beach and along the nearby coastline, contributing to the creation of a cleaner coastal environment.
Reflecting KINGS’ geographic location in a coastal area, this activity was organized to make a direct contribution to local environmental conservation and to put into practice mutually beneficial cooperation with the local community. More than a one-off event, it carries added significance in that members of the university community will continue to regularly protect the environmental value of the region together each year.
Notably, the 5th President, Dong-Wook Jerng, who took office on June 1, joined faculty and staff for the first time in this volunteer activity, drawing attention. It is viewed as demonstrating the university’s direction of walking alongside the local community, as well as enhancing communication with its members, by taking the first step of the newly launched leadership through field-centered social contribution activities.
Despite the hot weather, faculty and staff worked hard to create a pleasant marine environment by collecting litter scattered across the beach. Through the activity, participants were able to reflect once again on the importance of environmental protection, while also strengthening their sense of community and bonds with one another as they worked side by side.
KINGS plans to continue fulfilling its responsibility as a university that grows together with the region by carrying out a variety of social contribution and environmental cleanup activities in close cooperation with the local community.
PRESS RELEASE
KINGS Welcomes Delegation from Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) hosted a visit from Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on March 25, sharing the school's operational status and key educational programs with the delegation.
The visit took place at the KINGS conference room, with a total of six KAERI officials attending, led by Kim Chul, head of the public Cooperation Team. On behalf of KINGS, Executive Director of office of planning and External Affairs Park Soo-jin welcomed the delegation. Professor Kim Keung-koo, a distinguished scholar currently serving at KINGS following an extensive research career at KAERI, was also in attendance, lending special significance to the occasion.
The visit proceeded with a presentation on the school's overview, followed by a question-and-answer session. KINGS introduced its educational curriculum centered on fostering global nuclear and energy professionals, its internationally oriented learning environment, and its field-linked practical training programs, sharing with the delegation the school's distinctive role and strengths as a specialized graduate institution in the nuclear and energy sectors. The visiting delegation demonstrated keen interest in the school's overall educational framework, engaging in a wide range of questions throughout the session.
KINGS noted that the visit served as a meaningful opportunity to directly communicate the school's educational capabilities and operational direction to officials from domestic nuclear-related institutions. Going forward, KINGS plans to continue expanding external engagement across various channels, faithfully fulfilling its role as a practice-oriented institution for nurturing nuclear and energy professionals, while broadening communication with both domestic and international stakeholders in the nuclear field to further enhance the school's recognition and standing.
Finnish Nuclear Regulator STUK Visits KINGS World-Renowned Regulatory Authority Shows Interest in KINGS’ Nuclear Education Capabilities
KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) announced that a delegation from the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) visited the KINGS campus on the 28th. STUK is a world-class independent regulatory authority responsible for nuclear safety regulation in Finland and is internationally recognized for its high level of expertise and credibility in radioactive waste management. Notably, STUK supervises the Onkalo project, the world’s first permanent disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste.
The visit was conducted to gain insight into the operational status of nuclear education institutions in Korea and to better understand KINGS’ education and research environment. During the visit, the STUK delegation toured KINGS’ education and research facilities and received briefings on its specialized academic programs in nuclear engineering, nuclear safety, and radioactive waste management, as well as its practice-oriented research curriculum and international cooperation activities. Introductions to the research capabilities and educational activities of KINGS’ highly specialized faculty members were also provided.
STUK representatives expressed strong interest in KINGS’ systematic educational infrastructure and its industry-linked education system. Professor Gareth Law of the University of Helsinki also joined the visit and showed interest in KINGS’ academic programs and student exchange initiatives.
KINGS has recently positioned the expansion of its international education network as a core strategic priority. As the nuclear sector operates under globally harmonized safety and technical standards, KINGS plans to continue strengthening its educational competitiveness through active collaboration with a wide range of overseas institutions.
A KINGS official stated, “The visit by an internationally recognized regulatory authority provided a meaningful opportunity to objectively introduce our education system,” adding, “We will continue our efforts to create a globally competitive educational environment.”
Founded by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) in 2014, KINGS has consistently educated master’s- and doctoral-level professionals in the nuclear field. Through close cooperation with domestic and international nuclear industry companies and research institutes, KINGS remains committed to nurturing practice-oriented nuclear professionals.
Following this visit by the STUK delegation, educational and research collaboration in the areas of nuclear safety and radioactive waste management is expected to expand further, leading to increased research activity in these fields.
A delegation led by the Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Science (HCMUS), along with faculty members, visited KINGS
On December 2, 2025, the Korea Institute of Nuclear Graduate Studies (KINGS) welcomed a delegation from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Science (HCMUS), including its Vice President and faculty members, strengthening the foundation for nuclear education and research cooperation between the two countries.
This visit carries significant meaning as Vietnam has recently placed national-level emphasis on cultivating nuclear talent and securing technological capabilities. The Vietnamese government is strategically promoting the development of nuclear professionals to ensure stable future power supply and achieve carbon-neutrality goals. HCMUS, designated as one of Vietnam’s 11 specialized institutions for nuclear workforce development, plays a central role in securing talent and expanding educational infrastructure in the nuclear field. The university has faculty expertise in nuclear safety, radiation science, reactor physics, and other specialized areas, and has shown strong interest in international collaboration.
The delegation, led by Vice President Nguyen Trung Nhan, visited the KINGS campus to observe Korea’s advanced nuclear education system and hands-on training environment firsthand.
KINGS highlighted its ongoing efforts to expand cooperation with Asian countries, including Vietnam, as an international hub for nuclear talent development, emphasizing the potential for building a mutually complementary partnership in the nuclear sector.
The HCMUS delegation remarked, “KINGS is a highly systematic and specialized institution in the nuclear field, offering valuable insights for Vietnam’s nuclear workforce development policy. We look forward to further cooperation between our institutions.”
This visit is expected to solidify the cooperation framework between the two nations, which share the common goal of cultivating nuclear professionals, and contribute to advancing safe and sustainable nuclear development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Khabar 24 (Kazakhstan National TV) Promotional Video of KINGS
Kazakh Consul General in Busan Visits KINGS Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation in Education and Energy
Aslan M. Askar, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Busan, visited the KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School(KINGS) on Tuesday, October 28. The visit aimed to explore ways to strengthen cooperation between Korea and Kazakhstan in the fields of education and energy, and to gain first-hand insight into KINGS’s system for nurturing nuclear professionals, as well as its educational and research environment. During the visit, Consul General Askar received a briefing on KINGS’s academic programs and institutional overview, followed by a campus tour of key educational facilities. He showed strong interest in KINGS’s practice-oriented curriculum and its growing international cooperation network. He also met with Kazakh students currently studying at KINGS, engaging in meaningful discussions on their experiences in Korea, career opportunities in the nuclear industry, and the importance of expanding people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
“KINGS is fostering globally competitive talents in the nuclear field and continues to broaden its international partnerships,” said Dr. Hak-kyu Lim, Acting President of KINGS. “We expect that Consul General Askar’s visit will serve as a meaningful opportunity to enhance practical collaboration and mutual development between KINGS and Kazakhstan.” In response, Consul General Aslan M. Askar stated, “I was deeply impressed by KINGS’s high-quality education programs and the passionate academic atmosphere among its students. Continued cooperation between our two countries in the areas of energy and education will greatly benefit the growth and development of future generations.” Through this visit, KINGS and the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Busan reaffirmed the potential for collaboration in various areas, including the nuclear and energy industries, education, research, and human exchange. Both institutions agreed to maintain close communication to develop concrete cooperation plans and expand bilateral exchanges.
Consul General Askar, fluent in Russian, English, and Korean, has maintained close ties with Korea since 2011. He has introduced more than 800 Korean companies to Kazakhstan, contributing significantly to bilateral economic cooperation. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the first direct flight between Busan and Almaty in August 2025.
The visit was accompanied by a crew from Kazakhstan’s national broadcaster, Khabar TV, which conducted interviews with KINGS students and faculty members. The coverage will be aired in Kazakhstan, further raising awareness and interest in KINGS and Korea’s nuclear education system.
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