- Dates / Venue: 9–11 July 2025 (Tue–Thu), Science and Technology Convention Center
- Marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation, Korean scientists and engineers worldwide gather in Seoul
- The forum will explore how convergence-driven science and technology can shape the future
The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im, hereinafter “MSIT”) announced that the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Congress of Korean and Korean-Ethnic Scientists and Engineers (WCSE) was held on Wednesday, 9 July, at the Science and Technology Convention Center in Seoul, marking the start of the official programme.
The WCSE—hosted by MSIT and co-organized by the Korean Federation of Science & Technology Societies (KOFST) and 19 overseas Korean scientists and engineers associations—brings together Korean scientists and engineers worldwide to share research outcomes and explore future scientific and technological visions.
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of Liberation, this year’s Congress recognizes the dedication of Korean scientists and engineers who have supported the nation’s development from abroad and aims to secure national S&T sovereignty amid intensifying global competition.
On 8 July (Tue), before the official opening, delegates visited the Seoul National Cemetery to reflect on their responsibilities. The evening featured a special lecture by Hong Han-sol, CEO of Robolink, followed by a welcome dinner that fostered networking among participants.
The opening ceremony was attended by domestic and overseas Korean scientists and engineers; MSIT Minister Yoo Sang-im; Congress Chair Oh Myung; KOFST President Lee Tae-sik; and leading international scholars. After KOFST President Lee Tae-sik’s welcome address, independence-activist descendants Prof. Ji Cheong-ryong and Dr. Son Seok-ho offered remarks, and a video performance captured signatures pledging to carry forward the spirit of Liberation into the future of science and technology. A congratulatory message from the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, expressed deep respect for scientists’ passion and pledged full support so that science and technology can drive Korea’s future.
The ceremony also featured the 2025 Korea Best Scientists and Engineers Award presented to Prof. Hwang Cheol-seong of Seoul National University—a pioneer in semiconductor devices and processes—along with a presidential citation and a KRW 300 million prize.
A keynote by Prof. Lee Su-in (University of Washington) addressed the present and future of AI, followed by a talk-concert with descendant scientists, sharing values inherited from their forebears’ sacrifices and how those values guide their current work.
Over the next two days, sessions under the theme “Building the Future through Convergence Science & Technology” will explore:
① Convergence technologies for a sustainable society,
② Next-generation advanced mobility,
③ Global diffusion of Korea’s advanced science and technology,
④ Talent development and leadership innovation, and
⑤ International cooperation strategies for climate and environmental challenges.
Minister Yoo stated, “I hope this Congress enables Korean scientists and engineers around the globe to share knowledge, grow together, and open new paths of collaboration. The government will continue to back creative research and bold challenges by our scientific community.”
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF.