Busan, Pusan National University to train cybersecurity specialists

Busan city government announced Wednesday that Pusan National University has been selected for the 2026 Convergence Security Core Talent Development Program, run by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation. The selection is seen as an opportunity for Busan to challenge Greater Seoul's dominance in information security education and research, and to emerge as a hub for the southeastern region.

The program will invest 6.05 billion won ($4.05 million) — 5.5 billion won in national funds and 550 million won from the city — through 2031. It supports a graduate school of convergence security aimed at training specialists capable of responding to security threats spreading across all industries. As hacking, ransomware and internal data breaches grow more complex amid digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, securing advanced security talent is directly tied to industrial competitiveness.

The program aims to train specialists who can apply blockchain- and AI-based convergence security technologies to Busan's key local industries — maritime, port, shipbuilding and manufacturing — to address security vulnerabilities on the ground and strengthen the digital competitiveness of regional industries. Beyond patching technical weaknesses, the vision is to develop well-rounded professionals who can analyze the distinct characteristics of sectors such as maritime logistics, shipbuilding and parts manufacturing, and design tailored security frameworks for each. The initiative reflects a clear ambition to grow Busan, known as the "maritime capital," into a leading city in digital security.

Pusan National University plans to operate a convergence security curriculum that reflects the security needs of local industries, and to develop practice-ready professionals through industry-academia collaboration projects and internships. The university will focus particularly on strengthening security capabilities in the region's key industries undergoing rapid digital transformation — including smart ports, smart vessels and smart factories — with the goal of producing convergence security experts equipped to navigate global security regulations.

The city said the program will lay the groundwork for operating the southeastern region's first industry-specialized convergence security graduate school, while boosting the digital transformation of local industries and their capacity to meet global security regulations.

"By training specialists in blockchain technology and convergence security, we will raise the digital competitiveness of local industries and contribute to building a convergence security and blockchain industrial ecosystem through joint university-industry research and collaboration," a city official said. The official added that the city would also strengthen industry-academia ties and employment linkages so that talented graduates can settle in Busan and contribute to local companies and industries — helping create a virtuous cycle in which young talent studies, finds work and grows there.

Lee Jin-su, the city's director of financial and startup policy, said, "Together with Pusan National University, we will nurture convergence security talent suited to the needs of our key industries, and support the spread of blockchain, AI and convergence security technologies across the regional industrial base."

kaf2002@heraldcorp.com