Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, leading a delegation of the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, began a four-day visit to Korea today.

The delegation will conduct on-site visits to study the development models and practical experiences of local university towns, with a view to providing a solid reference for the planning and construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT).

Today, the delegation first met Ambassador for International Relations of Sejong City Government Lee Ho-shik to learn about the local development of shared university campuses, as well as the experiences of industry-academia-research integration and talent attraction. They also exchanged views on deepening co-operation in the education field between the two places.

Mr Chan said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively developing the NMUT, with the aim of establishing it as an international education and innovation and technology hub.

He expressed hope that through the visit, the delegation could draw on Sejong's successful experience in building a multi-university ecosystem and learn from its experiences, considerations and insights in campus planning, shared facility management, talent attraction strategies, and the creation of a university community that drives innovation and economic growth.

The Chief Secretary also hoped the visit would promote exchanges and co-operation in the education sector between the two places.

Afterwards, the delegation visited the Sejong Common Campus, where they toured institutions and facilities, including a shared academic and cultural support centre. They also met Sejong Common Campus Foundation Chairman Han Seog-soo to gain an in-depth understanding of the campus' operation and planning.

Officially opened in 2024, the Sejong Common Campus houses a number of Korea's top-tier universities, including Seoul National University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Hanbat National University and the Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management.

Mr Chan said the Sejong Common Campus created an integrated, open and collaborative ecosystem with multiple institutions, which is innovative and forward-looking in higher education development.

He added that the campus has integrated education, technology and talent development, achieving results in sustainable and smart campus development, deep integration of industry, academia and research, as well as the establishment of an entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Mr Chan hoped to bring the successful experience from Sejong back to Hong Kong, helping the city build a more innovative, sustainable and vibrant NMUT that effectively integrates education, research and industry, while continuing to promote deeper exchanges and co-operation in the education sector between the two places.