Mason Korea

CHSS graduate student’s research examines how identity impacts world affairs

Katarina Benson — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 18:33:14 +0000

CHSS graduate student’s research examines how identity impacts world affairs Katarina Benson Tue, 08/05/2025 - 14:33

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Ilya Kim brought a unique perspective to his studies at ��. He grew up as ethnic minority in Russia, living in the country until his family moved to South Korea in 2008 when he was 8.

That experience has informed his studies, first as a global affairs major who spent three years at Mason Korea, where he also served as Mason Korea’s student council president and worked as a resident advisor and University Life office intern.

When he arrived at George Mason’s Fairfax �� he already knew he wanted to pursue a master’s degree in sociology. He reached out to Shannon Davis, who spent three years as Mason Korea’s associate dean for faculty and academic affairs in addition to 15 years with George Mason’s Sociology Department.

Kim in his graduation regalia. Photo provided

She in turn was able to point Kim to John Dale, associate professor of sociology and director of Movement Engaged, the social movement research hub of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ (CHSS) Center for Social Science Research (CSSR).

“[Dale] was really the guy who got me to where I am in my graduate studies,” Kim said.

Indeed, it didn’t take long for Dale to be equally impressed by Kim, who he first met in his CONF 399 Sociology of Human Rights course in fall 2022.

“It quickly became apparent to me and his classmates that he was the brightest kid in the class,” Dale said. “I gave him an A-plus, and I never give an A-plus.”

As a master’s student, Kim has built on his undergraduate work with Movement Engaged, learning under Dale and working alongside PhD students.

“That exposure to high-level learning and people who are about to defend their thesis made me work harder because I wanted to be at their level to contribute to the discussion,” Kim said.

He continued his community involvement at the Fairfax ��, serving as a community assistant for the university’s Office of Housing and Residential Life. In 2022, Kim received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Virginia Association of College and University Housing Officers.

Kim is on track to finish his master’s degree from George Mason in the fall of 2026 and continues to expand on his research for his capstone project: “Sakhalin Island: Nexus of Transnational Movements.”

Dale has called Kim’s research a fascinating case study of globalization and transnational politics that could turn into a PhD dissertation.

The project examines the small Russian island of Sakhalin, which is more than 4,000 miles east of Moscow and sits in the Pacific Ocean just north of Japan. The island is inhabited by half a million people, including Russians, Indigenous peoples, Koreans, and even Americans. Kim has a close connection to the island, as his grandparents used to live there and distant relatives still reside there.

“It is very hard to find someone with the background Ilya has in Russia who can write well, do that translation and research in Russia,” Dale said. “Especially [someone] who also would be seeing it from the perspective of an ethnic minority position inside Russia, and so have more of a critical history of the formation of their constitution, which is what brought new insight to the possibilities for reform.”

“It is almost a little wildlife reserve of many of these identities there, and somehow they are all co-existing,” Kim said of Sakhalin. “But there are also tensions. I argue that people on that specific island are interesting to study because of how unique their identity and perspective is. If we can understand what Russia is and what type of identity it projects, then it kind of gives us a blueprint of how we can work with those groups—not just on paper, but in reality.”

Kim’s work received the 2025 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean’s Challenge Scholarship, which recognizes exceptional students who have demonstrated academic excellence, a commitment to education as a powerful tool for change, and commitment to leadership and community engagement. It is among the most competitive and prestigious scholarships that the college offers and is open to all CHSS students.

“Ilya is a shining example of how George Mason students can make a global impact,” CHSS Dean Ann Ardis said. “In addition to his research and collaborations with Movement Engaged, he has shown his commitment to improving the student experience on campus for Mason Korea and international students making the transition to Fairfax.”

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Student group ‘Accessible’ connects global tech with local advocacy

Katarina Benson — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:10:40 +0000

Student group ‘Accessible’ connects global tech with local advocacy Katarina Benson Tue, 07/15/2025 - 15:10

This spring, Accessible, a registered student organization (RSO) at �� Korea, expanded its mission of promoting inclusive environments across continents.

Yim visits NaviLens in Spain.

Founded in fall 2024 by Eunchong Yim, a junior global affairs major who now serves as its president, Accessible began as a group of six students raising awareness about accessibility and disability advocacy in South Korea. It has since grown into a platform for real-world impact.

In April, Yim traveled to Murcia, Spain, to visit NaviLens—a global leader in assistive technology—and to produce the first Korean-language introduction to the company’s work. NaviLens’ QR code system enables blind and partially sighted individuals to access location-based information, such as potential physical obstacles or physical descriptions of the environment, with their smartphones. Accessible hopes to help introduce this technology into South Korea’s public spaces.

Accessible is uniquely positioned to link global innovation with local needs. This semester, the group began discussions with the Songdo-based National Museum of World Writing Systems—South Korea’s second most visited museum—about a potential collaborative exhibition to enhance accessibility. The connection emerged from course field trips, such as INTS 245 Visual Culture and Society, and was made possible by the enthusiasm of museum staff.

A simulation of using NaviLens.

In a timely coincidence, George Mason also began testing NaviLens codes on the Fairfax ��, Mason Square in Arlington, and the Science and Technology �� in Manassas. As a result, Yim was connected with a member of the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community. By sharing updates on events related not only to NaviLens but also to virtual reality games and accessible environments more broadly, Mason Korea and the Virginia-based campuses are exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

Yim will complete a remote internship with the NaviLens team this summer, continuing to bridge student advocacy with practical accessibility solutions.

“I’m excited to learn about the team’s ongoing projects with blind and partially sighted students in America and to gain communication and project management skills,” she said. “Every moment at Mason Korea has become one of my greatest strengths—helping me adapt to new environments and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.”

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Mason Korea graduates Class of 2025

Katarina Benson — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:10:15 +0000

Mason Korea graduates Class of 2025 Katarina Benson Tue, 06/24/2025 - 14:10

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James Antony, PhD

Janette Muir, PhD

Graduating students, proud families, faculty, and special guests gathered at the IGC Grand Auditorium on June 21 to celebrate Mason Korea’s Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony.

The event honored students across a range of majors—including business, computer game design, computational and data sciences, conflict analysis and resolution, economics, and global affairs—who now join ��’s global alumni community.

James Antony's speech. Photo provided

Special guests included James Antony, provost and executive vice president, and Janette Muir, associate provost for academic affairs, both of whom traveled from George Mason’s Fairfax �� for the occasion. Mason Korea leadership were also present to celebrate the graduating class, along with Thanh Kim, acting minister counselor for public affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, and George Mason alum Minsung Yun, BS Computer Science ’03, founder and CEO of Currency United.

In her opening remarks, Shannon Davis, associate dean for faculty and academic affairs at Mason Korea, reflected on the graduates’ growth and the role they will take on as members of the George Mason alumni community.

“You have embraced the model of education where you become a knowledge creator,” Davis said. “As Mason alumni, you will continue to be leaders, advocates, and agents of change—creating a more just and equitable world.”

Speaking to the graduates during his first visit to the Songdo campus, Antony reflected on the unique value of the Mason Korea experience.

“At Mason Korea, you’ve pursued your degrees at the intersection of two cultures—blending the innovative spirit of an American research university with the global vision of Korea," he said. "That global perspective is now a part of who you are, and it will shape every step of your future.”

�� Dean Joshua Park also addressed the graduates, emphasizing the personal growth they experienced throughout their time at Mason Korea.

“Beyond your academic achievements, you’ve grown into individuals with adaptability, global awareness, and a strong sense of community—qualities essential in today’s rapidly changing world,” he said. “The diversity and connections you’ve built at Mason Korea will continue to empower you on the journey ahead.”

Mason Korea students line up to graduate. Photo provided

Two faculty members were recognized during the ceremony for university-wide honors. Roland Wilson, professor and faculty advisor for the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason’s campus in South Korea, received the 2025 �� Teaching Excellence Award, presented by the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning for his outstanding commitment to student learning. Deborah Kwak, assistant professor of sociology, was named a recipient of the 2025 Sojourner Truth Faculty Award, recognizing her efforts to engage students in dialogue around race, gender, and social equity—an honor jointly awarded by George Mason’s Women and Gender Studies and African and African American Studies Programs.

Global Affairs graduate Yoonji Seo delivered the graduation student address. Reflecting on her time at Mason Korea, she shared, “Mason Korea gave me more than just an education—it gave me a space to grow, connect, and become the kind of global citizen I dreamed of. The friendships, challenges, and experiences here have shaped who I am today.”

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Mason Korea partners with Incheon City to advance K-content development

Katarina Benson — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 00:42:48 +0000

Mason Korea partners with Incheon City to advance K-content development Katarina Benson Fri, 06/06/2025 - 20:42

Mason Korea recently hosted the inaugural iDesign Seminar: K-Content in collaboration with Incheon City. The event brought together academic, government, and industry leaders to explore strategies for strengthening Korea’s cultural content sector. It was supported by Incheon Metropolitan City, Incheon Tourism Organization, Hanwha Corporation, and SM C&C.

During the seminar, Mason Korea announced plans to establish a K-Content Research Center, which will provide academic and policy support for “K-con-land,” a new Korean-content hub initiative led by the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ).

K-Content Seminar panelists. Photo provided

The event opened with a congratulatory address from Joshua Park, campus dean of Mason Korea. The first session, under the theme “Decode,” featured K-pop expert Gyu Tag Lee, an associate professor of global affairs at Mason Korea who presented on the growth of K-content from a discourse analysis perspective.

This was followed by the “Deploy” session, which included case presentations by four industry practitioners—Bomin Seo (Incheon City), Song Jae Lee (SM C&C), Taehyun Kim (Incheon Tourism Organization), and Beom-seok Moon (Hanwha)—who shared real-world insights on policy, branding, tourism, and content innovation.

The experts shared their thoughts on the global potential of K-content, best practice case studies, and concrete policy ideas to help position Incheon as a global content hub.

In the final session, Lee moderated a panel discussion on how Incheon can drive K-content creation. Mason Korea students also contributed thoughtful questions during the Q&A session, sparking further dialogue.

“The Korean Wave, or Hallyu—which refers to the globalization of K-culture and K-content—has already spanned nearly 30 years,” said Lee. “It began with the popularity of Korean dramas in Chinese-speaking regions and has since expanded to K-pop and the broader realm of Korean media and culture. Now is the time to envision the future of K-culture and K-content. This requires not only strong central government support but also regional efforts to develop K-content.”

“Mason Korea has long engaged in research and education on Hallyu, the K-pop music industry, K-games, and public diplomacy, involving experts from various fields,” said Park. “The K-Content Research Center, to be launched this year, will work closely with Incheon City to develop local content discourse, advance academic research, promote programs, and nurture future talent.”

He added, “This seminar serves as a model of university-industry-government cooperation and a meaningful starting point for shaping the future of K-content. Mason Korea will continue to expand research and education collaborations with domestic institutions, businesses, and universities to play a trusted role as a global gateway contributing to the development of Korea’s K-content industry.”

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Mason Korea hosts record-breaking digital art competition

Katarina Benson — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:20:04 +0000

Mason Korea hosts record-breaking digital art competition Katarina Benson Thu, 06/05/2025 - 12:20

The fifth annual Progress@Play Social Impact Digital Art Competition has successfully concluded with an award ceremony at ��’s Korea campus. This year’s competition was supported by the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education and the Game Culture Foundation.

This year’s competition centered on creative ideas and sustainable solutions to emerging social issues and attracted a record 255 teams of middle school, high school, and university students from Korea and abroad. Participants presented their ideas through various digital formats, including animations, webtoons, computer games, videos, and illustrations. Notably, many submissions focused on the psychological and social effects of social media, reflecting concerns shared across generations.

Progress@Play exhibition. Photo provided

The ceremony brought together student finalists and their families, as well as Mason Korea leadership and staff, and Computer Game Design Program faculty James Broderick and John McGrew. Special guests included Cheolsoo Son, director of secondary Education at the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education, and Hyunkyung Kim, director of the Game Culture Education Center at the Game Culture Foundation.

“This year’s entries offered sharp insights into the social issues driven by social media,” said Broderick, an assistant professor of computer game design who also served as a competition judge. “While previous years often explored traditional themes like the environment, human rights, and aging, this year reflected a shift toward challenges faced by digital natives—including online performative culture and psychological effects of social media. It signals an expanding spectrum of social awareness among youth.”

Entries were evaluated by Mason Korea’s Computer Game Design faculty and external experts for social impact, quality, creativity, and artistic merit.

The top prize in the middle/high school division was awarded to Hyunbi Kim of Korea Animation High School for the project "Have You Seen the Southern Land?" while Yoonsik Kang of Sejong University took first place in the university division with "Omniscient."

The Korea Animation High School team won for their project "Have You Seen the Southern Land?" Photo provided

All winners received cash prizes. Middle and high school awardees also earned a certificate from the superintendent of the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education and a $2,000 scholarship (USD) upon admission to Mason Korea.

“This competition has created a meaningful platform for students and the public to engage with Korea’s evolving social issues,” said Joshua Park, campus dean of Mason Korea. “Through our Computer Game Design Program and Korea Serious Game Institute, Mason Korea delivers a distinctive practice-based education. We remain committed to strengthening collaborations with academic, industry, and public-sector partners to serve as a trusted global hub for innovation and learning.”

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Mason Korea undergrads publish research in international environmental journal

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:44:09 +0000

Mason Korea undergrads publish research in international environmental journal Katarina Benson Mon, 06/02/2025 - 10:44

An undergraduate student-led Mason Impact project at Mason Korea results in a co-authored article published in the peer-reviewed international journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. “Accessible water quality monitoring through hybrid human–machine colorimetric methods” stems from the Mason Impact project focused on environmental conditions in the Seunggi-cheon stream in Incheon.

Under the mentorship of Soyoung Kwon, associate dean of external affairs and professor of global affairs, and Dakota McCarty, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Mason Korea students collected and analyzed water samples, tested an innovative low-cost method for monitoring water quality, and contributed new insights to the field. Their approach combined colorimetric testing with human-guided digital analysis, producing data that closely aligned with laboratory results.

Students test the water samples. Photo provided

The project gave students valuable, hands-on experience in all stages of academic research—from fieldwork and data analysis to writing and publication. It introduced them to the world of scientific inquiry and academic publishing, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and credentials to pursue future research and graduate study.

“Working with Dr. McCarty and the other Center for Security Policy Studies (CSPS) Fellows gave me new insight into environmental security concerns like access to clean drinking water,” said Sam Sims, a junior global affairs major. “Now it’s an important part of how I think about security as a whole.”

CSPS, founded by director Ellen Laipson, is a unit of the Schar School of Policy and Government.

“[This paper] highlights the power of collaborative inquiry and the real social impact of student research,” Kwon said. “Mentoring these emerging scholars was incredibly rewarding, and I hope it inspires future student-led projects.”

McCarty agreed. “I’m incredibly proud of the students. Moving from a local project to a peer-reviewed international publication is a rare achievement at the undergraduate level,” he said. “It not only gives students a glimpse into real research but also strengthens their academic profiles for graduate school and beyond.”

Students with their research poster. Photo provided

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George Mason and Fairfax City leaders visit Korea to advance entrepreneurship

Katarina Benson — Tue, 20 May 2025 18:33:25 +0000

George Mason and Fairfax City leaders visit Korea to advance entrepreneurship Katarina Benson Tue, 05/20/2025 - 14:33

A senior delegation from ��’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations and Costello College of Business, along with Fairfax City Economic Development, recently visited Mason Korea for a weeklong strategic engagement to promote entrepreneurship education and business development.

The Korea–U.S. Business Cooperation Delegation included Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the �� Foundation; Lauren Bird, associate vice president for corporate and foundation relations; J.K. Aier, senior associate dean for academic affairs and global engagement at Costello; Patrick Soleymani, associate dean for outreach and strategic engagement at Costello and commissioner of the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority; and Chris Bruno, CEO and director of the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority.

Startup Park presentation. Photo provided

The delegation met with internal and external partners during their visit. Alongside �� Dean Joshua Park, they presented business collaboration opportunities to organizations including the Korea Data Industry Promotion Agency, Seoul Fintech Lab, and Incheon Startup Park. Their goal was to support local companies interested in expanding to Fairfax.

Park also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Global Digital Innovation Network (GDIN), an international platform promoting digital entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems.

The agreement establishes an internship program with GDIN to provide students valuable global work experience, while offering GDIN access to George Mason’s student talent. Additional plans include joint startup incubation programs, collaborative research, curriculum development, and co-hosting international events.

“The Costello College of Business is a nationally ranked R1 research university business school that leverages its prime location in Northern Virginia, near Washington, D.C., to provide governments, businesses, and students with the best possible opportunities for industry-academic collaboration, internships, and career networking,” said Aier. “This agreement marks an important milestone in our continued efforts to position ourselves as a global hub for the rapidly evolving business environment.”

“Through this agreement, we will further strengthen our global connections with the U.S. campus and Fairfax City, providing students both domestically and internationally valuable experiences in the innovation ecosystem and real growth opportunities,” said Park. “We are also committed to enhancing Korea–U.S. collaboration in education and research, serving as a trusted bridge that helps students, businesses, and government agencies advance on the global stage through innovation, expertise, and entrepreneurship.”

Fairfax City presentation. Photo provided

The delegation also engaged with Mason Korea leadership, faculty, students, and staff, and the Costello deans connected directly with business students and faculty during their visit.

"Our goal in coming here was to strengthen international connections and explore opportunities to expand access to the transformative global experiences this campus offers,” said Bowden. “What we see emerging is exactly that—a dynamic ecosystem where education and industry converge to prepare students to lead and solve the challenges of tomorrow. It’s inspiring to witness how our students, faculty, and partners are advancing George Mason’s global mission—bridging innovation, education, and culture in ways that truly reflect the spirit of the Mason Nation.”

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Mason Korea holds 5th annual beach cleaning day

Colleen Rich — Fri, 02 May 2025 18:04:46 +0000

Mason Korea holds 5th annual beach cleaning day Colleen Rich Fri, 05/02/2025 - 14:04

Students at Masian Beach. Photo provided

As part of its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, �� Korea held its fifth annual beach clean-up at Masian Beach in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, on April 19. Students, faculty, and staff from both Mason Korea and the University of Utah Asia �� participated.

The cleanup was organized under the Mason Cares Program, Mason Korea’s signature social impact initiative, which aims to support the local community. As a UN Global Compact member, the campus partners with the local community on hands-on volunteer and learning opportunities, such as coastal clean-ups, youth mentoring, and campaigns like the Zero Waste Challenge. Now in its fifth year, the clean-up has become a key part of Mason Korea’s community outreach, inspiring sustainable action.

“It was a meaningful experience to join community members in working together to restore the beach,” said Noble Gabriel, a junior computer game design major from George Mason’s Fairfax ��.

Students used a technique called “plogging,” a combination of jogging and picking up litter. “Seeing participants work diligently to restore the area despite strong chilly winds was especially inspiring and affirmed the value of service in our Mason Korea community,” said Lauren Poindexter, senior coordinator of Student Involvement.

“It was deeply meaningful to see our students and faculty come together once again to give back to the Incheon community,” said Joshua Park, dean of Mason Korea. “Through the Mason Cares Program, we will continue putting our educational mission—pursuing a more just and prosperous society—into action by delivering a real social value.”

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Mason Korea and U.S. Embassy Seoul host Young Trilateral Leaders workshop

Katarina Benson — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:55:23 +0000

Mason Korea and U.S. Embassy Seoul host Young Trilateral Leaders workshop Katarina Benson Tue, 04/29/2025 - 09:55

�� Korea and the U.S. Embassy Seoul recently hosted the 2025 U.S.–Republic of Korea (ROK)–Japan Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Regional Workshop Series on the Mason Korea campus. The workshop featured sessions on peace technology led by experts from the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason and the Faculty of Letters at Soka University in Japan.

The 2025 YTL Workshop Series consists of four phases. Phase one consisted of four weeks of online pre-learning from March 10 to April 4. Then the Incheon Songdo workshop, held from April 11–14 at Mason Korea, marked the second phase and took place over four days. The third phase will be co-hosted with U.S. Consulate General Osaka in Hiroshima, Japan, from May 9–12. The final phase, an online evaluation, is scheduled for August 21 and 28.

During the in-person workshop, 26 members of the State Department’s YTL program from Korea, the United States, and Japan built on their pre-session knowledge, engaging in lectures and group activities with Korean and international experts. Topics included conflict analysis and resolution, peace studies, the application of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) games, and international relations based on historical and cultural perspectives.

Students participate in the in-person workshop. Photo provided

“Mason Korea is cultivating global conflict management experts through the Korea Serious Game Institute and the Peace and Conflict Studies Center Asia,” said Mason Korea �� Dean Joshua Park. “Grounded in innovation, expertise, and an entrepreneurial spirit, we aim to strengthen U.S.-Korea collaboration in education and research for the Fourth Industrial Revolution—serving as a trusted bridge for students, industries, and government agencies to thrive on the global stage.”

On Saturday, April 12, the YTL workshop opened with a keynote address by Mason Korea Dean Joshua Park and U.S. Embassy Seoul public diplomacy officer Joshua Lustig, followed by a lecture from Soyoung Kwon, associate dean of external affairs and professor of global affairs, on “Korea’s Regional Diplomacy and the Trilateral Alliance.”

Program leader Roland Wilson, director of the Peace and Conflict Studies Center Asia (PACSC Asia) and professor of conflict analysis and resolution, delivered a session on Youth Leadership, which led into a joint talk with James Broderick (Computer Game Design Program) titled “Peace and Conflict: How to Use Tech and AI.” Participants then collaborated in small groups to analyze conflict scenarios and propose solutions using AI-based serious games.

On Sunday, April 13, after completing a trilateral conflict simulation and case studies, students visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for a field learning experience.

“This workshop offered young leaders from Korea, the U.S., and Japan an opportunity to strengthen their conflict analysis and resolution skills by using ��’s advanced AI serious games," said Roland Wilson, who is a George Mason alumnus with a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution. "It also helped them develop global leadership and teamwork, while exploring innovative solutions to regional and international conflict challenges. I hope this workshop has provided future youth leaders with a valuable opportunity to view regional and global relations to deepen mutual understanding.”

“The trilateral partnership is a crucial component of our shared commitment to the safety, security, and prosperity of both our own countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region,” said U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Officer Joshua Lustig. “For this partnership to truly flourish, we need to leverage the creativity and talents of people from every corner of our respective societies, especially emerging leaders like those participating in this workshop.”

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Mason Korea hosts U.S. Chargé d’Affaires for fireside chat

Katarina Benson — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:56:38 +0000

Mason Korea hosts U.S. Chargé d’Affaires for fireside chat Katarina Benson Sat, 04/05/2025 - 16:56

�� Korea recently welcomed Ambassador Joseph Yun, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim at the United States Mission in the Republic of Korea, for an exclusive fireside chat at the Incheon Global �� Small Theater.

Moderated by Soyoung Kwon, associate dean of external affairs and professor of global affairs, the event drew more than 300 attendees. The dialogue with Ambassador Yun covered a wide range of topics, including U.S.-Korea relations and the role of global universities in international diplomacy.

The Fireside Chat. Photo provided

The program opened with welcome remarks from Mason Korea Dean Joshua Park. "This fireside chat has been a significant opportunity to enhance understanding of U.S.–Korea diplomatic relations, North Korea policy, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding," said Park. "Mason Korea will continue to serve as a key hub for public diplomacy between the U.S. and Korea, striving to equip our diverse international student body with cross-cultural experiences, adaptability, cultural comprehension, and global citizenship."

Distinguished guests included Wonsok Yun, commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority; Byung-geun Park, CEO of the Incheon Global �� Foundation; Arthur H. Lee, president of the State University of New York, Korea; Gregory Hill, chief administrative officer of the University of Utah Asia ��; Nam-sik Lee, president of JEI University; and Woong-hee Kim, vice president for external affairs at Inha University.

The event concluded with a VIP reception in honor of Ambassador Yun’s visit, joined by a special guest—Incheon Mayor Jeongbok Yoo.

"Global universities can function as public diplomacy platforms connecting Korea and the U.S. through adaptability, cultural comprehension, and global citizenship," said Kwon. She also emphasized Mason Korea’s commitment to expanding networks through dialogue and communication and contributing to the broader welfare of Korea.

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CHSS graduate student’s research examines how identity impacts world affairs

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Student group ‘Accessible’ connects global tech with local advocacy

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Mason Korea graduates Class of 2025

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Mason Korea hosts record-breaking digital art competition

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Mason Korea undergrads publish research in international environmental journal

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George Mason and Fairfax City leaders visit Korea to advance entrepreneurship

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Mason Korea holds 5th annual beach cleaning day

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