Ivory Tower is also participating in a process of spreading blockchain, which is considered as a lifeline of Industry 4.0. Not only is it planning to promote highly qualified individuals, but it is also going to attempt to apply blockchain technologies and theories to various industries through omnidirectional projects with financial industries. It is also working on securing competitive edge in technologies and patents in blockchain technologies by establishing separate research centers.
According to various universities and financial industries, Sogang University, Dongguk University, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Yonsei University, and Korea University established their own courses or educational courses with financial industries for blockchain. Each university setup its own department and classes for blockchain and some of them even set up research centers.
Sogang University became the first South Korean university to establish blockchain department to its graduate school. It is also the first one to establish a blockchain research center. Sogang University’s blockchain research center, which opened its door early last year, was selected as the organization that would receive support from Ministry of Science and ICT in June of the same year. It is going to work on spreading blockchain technologies by receiving $744,000 (800 million KRW) from South Korean Government every year. Also, it is holding seminars frequently by inviting foreign experts in cryptocurrency. On the 23rd of June, Director Paolo Tasca of UCL Blockchain Technology Center will hold a lecture at Song University’s blockchain research center. Sogang University is also planning to hold ‘Blockchain Education Academy’ for future founders.
‘M Block’, which is a startup within Sogang University, is also a success. M Block, which was co-established by Sogang University’s Research & Business Development Foundation and NEXG, developed embedded blockchain technologies and modules that can be applied to IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Based on these developments, M Block is discussing with South Korean automotive part manufacturers, drone manufacturers, and IoT companies about working together.

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<Sogang University’s blockchain-based vending machine (Staff Reporter Kim, Dongwook | gphoto@etnews.com) >

Pohang University of Science & Technology started ‘Introduction to Blockchain’ course as a requirement for Industrial Management Engineering major starting from the 1st quarter of 2018. This course is taught by Professor Han Sang-ho.
Pohang University of Science & Technology signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Yonsei University back in March to remove any boundaries between universities in regards to application of blockchain technologies. These two universities are planning to establish ‘Blockchain Campus’ together. To establish an industrial-educational cluster, Pohang University of Science & Technology’s Blockchain Research Center also partnered up with BNK Financial Group. Pohang University of Science & Technology is also test-operating blockchain-based vending machines that accept cryptocurrencies.
Dongguk University is going to start South Korea’s first comprehensive program for master’s degree and PhD degree in FinTech in September. Although this course is established to build knowledge in FinTech industry, it also provides a separate curriculum related to blockchain and work on spreading various network. It is already working on promoting courses for best executives in FinTech industry and experts in blockchain industry. With Professor Lee Won-boo at the top, Dongguk University is operating a program that promotes blockchain experts with JB Financial Group and NH Bank.
By specializing internal employees, these financial companies are planning to promote highly qualified individuals who can apply blockchain technologies to current industries. They are also planning to cultivate knowledge about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and blockchain technologies that are quickly spreading within entire industries for the comprehensive program for master’s degree and PhD degree. They are going to develop various cooperative business models based on blockchain by linking alumni to ‘Dongguk University FinTech Smart Finance Forum’.
Korea University is launching ‘Korea University Blockchain Research Institute’ on the 25th. This research institute is going to focus on developing business models, improving laws and systems, and establishing strategies to promote blockchain-related industries on top of developing blockchain-based technologies. Its students will also be able to participate in research and contribute to co-research done by industries and universities and support of startups.
“Blockchain has undoubtedly become a major future technology.” said Professor Lee Won-boo of Dongguk University. “Universities also need to carry out pilot projects, promote qualified individuals, or prepare separate programs before they starting promoting blockchain industry.”
Staff Reporter Ham, Jihyun | goham@etnews.com