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#2B102,Basement1,Law Building
Seobu-ro 2066, Jangan-gu, 16419, Suwon, Republic of Korea - +82-31-740-1643
- https://grafps.skku.edu/eng_grafps
Introduction
The Graduate School of Future Policy Studies (GRAFPS) was founded upon the long-standing commitment to social contribution by alumnus Mr. Kyu-Yong Lee (Law, class of ’72). The “Kyu-Yong Lee Fund” serves as a stone spring(石泉)—a gathering place for distinguished domestic and international professors, scholars, and practitioners—and as a nurturing study hall(養齋) for promising young talents shaping the future.
GRAFPS is a pioneering research and education platform in the field of social sciences. Its excellence is evidenced by its outstanding faculty, well-designed curriculum, and systematic research support system. The platform brings together specialized courses from cutting-edge professors (新銳, enfant terrible) passionate about mentoring, omnibus lectures from veteran and globally renowned scholars (重鎭), and practice-oriented courses from field experts—forming an educational trinity. With its matrix-based approach—interweaving academic strands like graph paper—students are encouraged to integrate related disciplines and deepen their own research agendas through multifaceted perspectives on complex social issues. Opportunities for international exchange programs at prestigious institutions will help students cultivate global awareness, and participation in forums hosted by GRAFPS’s twin institution, the Institute for Future Policy Studies (IFPS), will expose them to insights from leading scholars. Full scholarships are provided to all students, enabling them to focus solely on research without financial burden.
Social sciences are fundamentally about understanding the logic of the world through thoughtful inquiry (“天下之理, 思則得之”). While science and technology are vital in modern society, their implications must be addressed through sound institutions and policy for a sustainable future. Innovation and entrepreneurship must be valued, but social science ensures that their benefits are shared by the broader community. That’s why GRAFPS emphasizes practical education that is technology-friendly.
As the inaugural dean, I consider it a profound calling and a solemn responsibility to bring together capable individuals and guide them in a unified direction. To fulfill the mission of social sciences, GRAFPS is fully committed to supporting all of its members. By cultivating leaders in politics, economics, and society, we aim to contribute to the co-evolution of our communities and establish ourselves as a premier institution—carrying forward the 500-year heritage of Sungkyunkwan as a true blue brick university.
Background of the establishment
The Graduate School of Future Policy Studies was established to cultivate professionals with insight and problem-solving capabilities in the field of social sciences. This initiative was made possible through a generous endowment by Chairman Kyuyong Lee (Law, Class of ’72), whose long-standing commitment to social contribution and belief in education as a driver of community development laid the foundation for the school. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by higher education—especially in graduate-level research in social sciences—the school aims to address the imbalance in support compared to the natural sciences. It acknowledges that scientific advancement must be matched by robust institutional and policy frameworks to benefit society meaningfully.
Educational objectives
The school emphasizes practical expertise through its 4-T framework:
- Tradition
- Trend
- Trustworthy
- Technology Friendly
By fostering an environment where students can focus on research and learning, the school aims to produce leaders in politics, administration, economics, and society. It supports a matrix-style curriculum and a platform that attracts distinguished faculty, enabling students to engage in refined, interdisciplinary education.
Graduates are expected to contribute to academia, public institutions, and industry, applying global knowledge to real-world challenges. Rooted in Sungkyunkwan University’s founding philosophy of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom, the school continues the tradition of practical scholarship.