South Korea has the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in Ulsan, and the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in Gwangju — but Gangwon Province has no equivalent.
Wonju is now seeking public input as it campaigns to host the Gangwon Institute of Science and Technology, a proposed KAIST-style research university envisioned as the province's hub for science and technology infrastructure and advanced talent development.
Among civic and business leaders in the region, a consensus around the need to establish the institute is already forming, with discussions centering on the rationale for siting it in Wonju, where a range of advanced technology development projects are already under way.
Residents of Gangwon Province expect that establishing the institute in Wonju would create a virtuous cycle — nurturing local talent, attracting high-quality companies and linking research to commercial applications — contributing to balanced national development.
The survey is intended to broaden public support for bringing the institute to Wonju and to build the policy and social evidence base needed for the city's bid.
The survey runs from Thursday through July 30 on the Wonju city government website. The city plans to gather residents' views on the need to establish the Gangwon Institute of Science and Technology and on Wonju's suitability as its location.
The survey covers four topics: the case for establishing the institute; Wonju's competitive advantages and distinguishing characteristics as a host site; potential synergies with the region's advanced industries, including AI, digital technology, medical devices and future mobility; and ways to improve living conditions to attract top talent.
The survey is open not only to Wonju residents but to anyone with an interest in the city's development. Participants can respond online through the Wonju city website under the civic participation section.
Wonju is currently conducting a preliminary feasibility and site-strategy study for the proposed institute and plans to incorporate the survey results into that research to strengthen the policy and social justification for its bid.
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