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KAIST

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KAIST is a leading national research university in South Korea.

KAIST logo small
KAIST logo small

It is primarily located in Daedeok Innopolis within the city of Daejeon. This area is a major hub for science and technology. Daedeok is home to approximately 50 different research institutes and universities. KAIST serves as a public, research-oriented institution focused on science and engineering. Its main goal is to train advanced scientists and develop graduate education in the country.

The university's history began with the establishment of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science, or KAIS, in 1971.

Kaistphotoarchive01
Kaistphotoarchive01

The institute was founded with a $6 million loan from the United States Agency for International Development. This project was supported by President Park Chung-Hee. The academic structure was designed by Frederick E. Terman from Stanford University and Dr. KunMo Chung. In 1981, KAIS merged with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) to form KAIST. However, the two groups split again in 1989 due to different research philosophies. In that same year, KAIST merged with the Korea Institute of Technology (KIT) and moved to Daejeon.

Today, KAIST is organized into a complex academic structure. It consists of 6 colleges, 2 schools, and 33 different departments or divisions.

KAIST fountains view
KAIST fountains view

The College of Natural Sciences includes departments like Physics and Chemistry. The College of Engineering houses many specialized areas, such as Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. There are also specialized graduate schools, including the Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI. The university operates across three main locations: the main campus in Daejeon, the Seoul campus, and the Munji campus. The Munji campus hosts the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) for advanced physics research.

Students at KAIST follow rigorous academic paths. Admission is based on grades in math and science, teacher recommendations, and personal statements. The university does not use its own standardized tests for entry. Up to 80 percent of all courses are taught in English.

A flock of geese at KAIST university
A flock of geese at KAIST university

Undergraduate students can use an "open major system." This allows them to study for three terms before choosing a specific discipline. They also have the freedom to change their major at any time. To graduate, students must publish papers in internationally recognized academic journals.

The student body is large and diverse. As of the Fall 2019 semester, there were 10,504 full-time students and 1,342 faculty researchers. In the spring of 2021, enrollment included 3,605 bachelor's students and 2,765 doctoral students. The university is also very international. In 2021, 817 students from 81 different countries were studying at the institute. Many alumni come from China, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Indonesia. KAIST provides full scholarships to all students in bachelor, master, and doctorate courses.

Research is a central part of the KAIST mission. The university holds 2,694 domestic patents and 723 international patents.

KAIST's sport complex at night
KAIST's sport complex at night

Researchers have developed innovative technologies like the Online Electric Vehicle (OLEV). This system uses non-contact magnetic charging to power vehicles through cables under the road. In 2009, researchers successfully supplied 60 percent of the power to a bus using this technology. The university also hosts several independent research institutes, such as the National NanoFab Center (NNFC).

Campus life includes traditions and community activities. Every spring, students celebrate the Seokrim Taeulje festival.

Korean scientist-Jang Yeongsil-01
Korean scientist-Jang Yeongsil-01

This three-day event is also called the Cherry Blossom Festival. It features food booths, club performances, and song festivals. Students often gather on the lawn to eat strawberries. The campus environment is quite natural, featuring a lake where geese and ducks reside. This balance of high-level research and community life defines the KAIST experience.

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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:KAIST logo small.svg
KAIST logo small.svg
File:Kaistphotoarchive01.jpg
Kaistphotoarchive01.jpg
File:Korean scientist-Jang Yeongsil-01.jpg
Korean scientist-Jang Yeongsil-01.jpg
File:KAIST fountains view.jpg
KAIST fountains view.jpg
File:KAIST's sport complex at night.jpg
KAIST's sport complex at night.jpg
File:Kaist.JPG
Kaist.JPG
File:A flock of geese at KAIST university.jpg
A flock of geese at KAIST university.jpg
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