On April 8, Hong Jongill, Vice President of Yonsei University, paid an official visit to Beihang University. Zhao Weisheng, Vice President of Beihang University, met with the delegation. Representatives from the International Relations Department, the Shandong Laboratory of ASIC and Intelligent Instruments in Qingdao, and the Administrative Committee of the Qingdao West Coast New Area also attended the meeting.

In his address, Zhao Weisheng extended a warm welcome to the delegation and provided an overview of Beihang's recent developments in talent cultivation, disciplinary structure, research achievements, and international engagement. He emphasized that Beihang remains committed to an open, inclusive, and collaborative educational philosophy, actively expanding its global partner network to foster practical cooperation in research and education. He noted that Yonsei University, as a leading institution in both Korea and Asia, possesses significant disciplinary strengths. With complementary academic advantages and a recent history of high-level exchanges between the two universities, Zhao expressed optimism about the broad potential for collaboration and looked forward to achieving tangible outcomes across multiple fields.

Hong Jongill expressed gratitude for Beihang's hospitality and shared an overview of Yonsei University's academic operations and its latest development plans. He emphasized Yonsei's strong commitment to cooperation with Chinese universities and expressed willingness to deepen partnership with Beihang. During the talks, both sides exchanged views on joint research and dual-degree programs in key disciplinary areas, reaching broad consensus.

Xue Wenqian, Deputy District Mayor of the Qingdao West Coast New Area, extended congratulations and support for the establishment of the partnership between the two universities. She provided a brief introduction to the Qingdao West Coast New Area and expressed hope that the Beihang-Yonsei collaboration would further promote exchanges and cooperation between the two governments.

Following the talks, Zhao Weisheng and Hong Jongill signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Beihang University and Yonsei University. Under the agreement, both institutions will cooperate in areas including faculty and student exchanges, academic collaboration, and joint research.

Founded in 1885, Yonsei University is a leading comprehensive research university in South Korea and a globally recognized institution of higher learning. Its main campus is located in Seoul, with additional campuses in Songdo International City and Wonju. Yonsei is widely recognized as one of the "SKY" universities — the three most prestigious and influential institutions in South Korea, alongside Seoul National University and Korea University. A member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), Yonsei boasts world-leading strengths in medicine (its affiliated hospital is among the best in Asia), business, and engineering. The university hosts more than 6,300 international students and 360 international faculty members. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Yonsei University ranked 50th globally and 11th in Asia.

Editor: Lyu Xingyun