Mason Korea

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

George Mason �鶹�� 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 Campus 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 Campus Foundation; Arthur H. Lee, president of the State �鶹�� of New York, Korea; Gregory Hill, chief administrative officer of the �鶹�� of Utah Asia Campus; Nam-sik Lee, president of JEI �鶹��; and Woong-hee Kim, vice president for external affairs at Inha �鶹��.

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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Mason Korea to Host 2025 Korea-US-Japan eSports Tournament

Pam Muirheid — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:35:54 +0000

Mason Korea to Host 2025 Korea-US-Japan eSports Tournament Pam Muirheid Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:35

Original article written by Lee Sang-beom in N News (Korea), March 25, 2025:

George Mason �鶹�� Korea will host the '2025 Korea-U.S.-Japan eSports Tournament' in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Korea, the U.S. Embassy in Japan, and Coupang. Photo by Ji Kang

George Mason �鶹�� Korea, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Korea, the U.S. Embassy in Japan, and Coupang, will host the 2025 Korea-U.S.-Japan eSports Tournament, a global initiative to foster strategic thinking, teamwork, and digital engagement among young gamers from Korea, the U.S., and Japan.

This tournament is an innovative global program where participants will learn teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution through gaming as an eSport, and is an educational platform that develops essential cognitive and collaborative skills in a competitive environment while strengthening trilateral relations among Korea, the United States, and Japan. The eSports Tournament is open to young Korean, American, and Japanese citizens aged 20-39, and requires English communication skills.

Participants will participate in online training and weekly activities from April to May, and will participate in the eSports tournament in Incheon in June.

Through this tournament, George Mason �鶹�� Korea will provide a special opportunity for young gamers to communicate with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds and improve their problem-solving skills, adaptability, and leadership capabilities. Professor Sang Nam, Professor of Computer Game Design at George Mason �鶹��, Co-Director of Virginia Functional Game Research Institute, and Director of Korea Functional Game Research Institute, said:

"This '2025 Korea-US-Japan eSports Tournament' is an innovative platform designed to promote digital literacy, cross-cultural collaboration, and leadership development beyond games as entertainment and competition." He added, "We are pleased to demonstrate the role of eSports as a bridge to strengthen trilateral cooperation among Korea, the United States, and Japan."

“The trilateral partnership among the United States, Japan, and Korea is a vital component of our shared effort to ensure safety, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Joshua Lustig, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. “We anticipate that the 2025 Korea-U.S.-Japan eSports Tournament will bring our three countries closer together by further strengthening the network of youth champions among them.”

The program is fully sponsored by Coupang through a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of State, and the event is co-hosted with Company E, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit.

The application deadline for the event is March 28, and eSports training and in-person eSports tournament matches will take place starting April 5.

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Mason Korea's global network expands in Vietnam

Katarina Benson — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:23:16 +0000

Mason Korea's global network expands in Vietnam Katarina Benson Wed, 03/26/2025 - 14:23

Last week, Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park led a strategic visit to Vietnam to strengthen international partnerships across three key cities: Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh. He was accompanied by Kelley Chung, associate dean of admissions and enrollment, and Jake Lee, admissions counselor.

In Hanoi, the Mason Korea delegation met with Vice President Nguyen Thi Ngoc Bich of Hanoi International College, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote educational and intercultural collaboration.

Mason Korea and Hanoi International College leadership. Photo provided

They also visited Vinschool, a K-12 school, engaging in discussions about future education partnerships. Additionally, the team introduced Mason Korea’s programs to approximately 90 students at Korean Global School and explored collaboration opportunities with the principal and staff of Vietnamese-Australia High School.

The journey continued in Danang, where the team strengthened ties with the �鶹�� of Danang (VNUK), building on George Mason's existing partnership. Nguyen Van Huy, head of the Research and International Cooperation Office, described their collaboration as "a stepping stone for global education."

The trip concluded in Ho Chi Minh City with the signing of an MOU with Saigon Business School, paving the way for student transfers, faculty exchanges, and future joint initiatives. The team also visited the �鶹�� of Economics and Finance and connected with the vice president and staff to discuss potential educational partnerships.

"It was a highly productive week in Vietnam,” said Park, reflecting on the trip. “I’m excited to bring these new partnerships to life and create more global opportunities for our students."

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Dean Joshua Park shares vision for Mason Korea

Katarina Benson — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:39:45 +0000

Dean Joshua Park shares vision for Mason Korea Katarina Benson Wed, 03/12/2025 - 15:39

More than 250 attendees, including students, family members, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests gathered for the Mason Korea's Spring Convocation at the Incheon Global Campus Small Theater.

“Mason Korea upholds the identity of George Mason �鶹��, while blending unique Korean elements, offering the best of both worlds," Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park told the assembled group.

"Admission to Mason Korea is becoming increasingly competitive each year, driven by our distinctive programs and global network," said Kelley Chung, associate dean of admissions and enrollment at Mason Korea. "As a leading American educational institution in Korea, we are dedicated to both expanding our reach and enhancing the quality of our programs."

Mason Korea students benefit from a unique academic curriculum, spending three years at the Songdo campus in Korea and one year at the Fairfax Campus in Virginia. The campus upholds the same academic standards as the U.S. campus while offering more affordable tuition and awarding the same degree.

In an recent interview with Incheon Ilbo, Park emphasized collaboration with international universities to attract global talent to the Incheon Global Campus.

Since assuming office in July last year, Park has highlighted Mason Korea’s role as an extension campus of the U.S. institution, stating, “Mason Korea has boundless potential in terms of growth and internationalization. We will preserve the core identity of George Mason �鶹�� while shaping a campus that uniquely reflects Korean characteristics.”

A key priority for Mason Korea is internationalization. Currently, students from more than 20 countries are enrolled at the campus. To further increase the number of international students, Park plans to expand partnerships with international universities, aiming to raise the proportion of international students to 40–50% within the next five years.

In particular, Mason Korea has been forming Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with universities across Asia. As a result, international student enrollment is expected to increase from next year.

“We are not just looking to collaborate with any university; we are focused on partnering with top-tier institutions,” Park stated. “Through this initiative, we seek to attract the top 1–5% of outstanding students to Songdo, providing them with education and supporting their transition to Incheon.”

Given its location in the major city of Incheon, Mason Korea also prioritizes collaboration with local schools and businesses. “Introducing American culture to Incheon’s government, businesses, and students is one of our primary missions,” said Park. “To support this, we have established MOUs with Inha �鶹�� and the �鶹�� of Incheon, jointly developing various programs.”

As part of this effort, Mason Korea is developing programs and workshops to help students from Inha and Incheon National universities build global competencies without needing to study abroad.

Additionally, Mason Korea collaborates with startups in Incheon. The business school works with George Mason �鶹��’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) to assist local companies facing challenges in entering the U.S. market.

“�鶹�� business school provides practical support, such as courses in business-level English writing, to actively assist local businesses,” Park explained.

Ultimately, Park envisions Mason Korea deepening its integration with the local community and business sector while leveraging its strengths.

"Mason Korea will not be confined to a single field but will continue to evolve in response to corporate and regional needs, continuously improving its academic programs," he said.

“Last year, Mason Korea celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of establishing strong roots in the region. Over the next decade, we will focus on achieving tangible results and broadening our reach—attracting global talent and cultivating internationally competent professionals who can contribute both locally and globally.”

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Mason Korea students conduct environmental research on Incheon stream

Colleen Rich — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 19:07:51 +0000

Mason Korea students conduct environmental research on Incheon stream Colleen Rich Tue, 01/21/2025 - 14:07

A team of student fellows at Mason Korea's Center for Security and Policy Studies received a grant from George Mason �鶹�� to support their research on improving water quality in Incheon's Seunggi-cheon stream.

Mason Impact project team at work. Photo provided

Under the guidance of Mason Korea faculty members Soyoung Kwon and Dakota McCarty, the team conducted fieldwork to collect and analyze water samples as part of the Mason Impact program. The project, "Enhancing Water Quality Management of Seunggi-cheon in Incheon, South Korea: A Region-focused, Low-cost, Nature-based Approach," produced a comprehensive dataset that helped pinpoint areas of elevated pollution in the stream using advanced statistical techniques. The findings informed the development of actionable strategies to enhance local stream health.

"We started this research project with one goal: to make an impact," said global affairs major Hyunwoo Jo, one of the student fellows. "I’m glad that we’ve accomplished just that through our case study. I was able to conduct valuable—and unique—quantitative research under faculty guidance."

Mason Impact project team with their poster at Fall Student Project Showcase. Photo provided

"I believe the world can change by focusing on small things nearby. Seunggi-cheon may be unknown to those outside Incheon, it is valuable to local residents as a place for walking, exercising, and supporting various wildlife," said global affairs major Minji Kim. "Through collecting and analyzing water samples, we gained insights into environmental security that could inform policies not just for this river, but for others in Korea and beyond."

"This project was a perfect case of the power of pairing interdisciplinary research with experiential learning," said McCarty, who is an assistant professor in Mason Korea’s Department of Environmental Science and Policy. "Through their dedication, and getting their hands dirty in real-world field research, the team not only gained valuable research experience but also contributed actionable insights to improve water quality in the Seunggi-cheon stream."

"Thanks to Dr. McCarty's enthusiasm and guidance, our student fellows had a valuable time learning through experiments," said Kwon, an associate professor of global affairs and director of security policy studies-Korea. "They also learned how to translate the research outcomes into policies for community development."

The mini grant, awarded by George Mason’s Office of the Provost, supports experiential learning projects that address real-world challenges. The students presented their findings at Mason Korea's Fall 2024 Student Project Showcase.

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Volunteers at Mason Korea share their time and talents in community beautification project

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:11:51 +0000

Volunteers at Mason Korea share their time and talents in community beautification project Lauren Reuscher Thu, 01/09/2025 - 09:11

Mason Korea recently joined forces with General Motors (GM) Korea to revitalize a youth home in Incheon's Bupyeong area through a collaborative beautification project. The activity was organized by Mason Cares, which focuses on community engagement around George Mason �鶹��’s Incheon campus, and Mason Korea’s Office of Development and Strategic Partnership.

Volunteers from Mason Korea painted a mural designed by students and staff. Photo by Mason Korea.

Student, faculty, and staff volunteers, including Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park, worked diligently to bring a mural concept to life. The mural was designed by Mason Korea students and staff, and the volunteer artists received on-site support from the GM Korea team.

Photo by Mason Korea

“I was excited to participate in this project, because I have experience working in mural design from a similar volunteer project at the Smithsonian,” said Victoria Gehring, a sophomore business major.

This marks the second consecutive year of partnership between Mason Korea and GM Korea's mural painting project, underscoring a shared commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Photo by Mason Korea

Among the volunteers were four international students and eight participants from the MK Way program, Mason Korea’s conditional admission program offering intensive English instruction for students.

Photo by Mason Korea

Hyewon Lee, a freshman global affairs major, was grateful for the service opportunity. “I try to volunteer often, but it is sometimes difficult to find opportunities,” said Lee. “I was really happy to see this unique painting project organized by our school.”

Photo by Mason Korea

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Mason Korea launches Korea Serious Game Institute

Colleen Rich — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 14:46:23 +0000

Mason Korea launches Korea Serious Game Institute Colleen Rich Mon, 12/02/2024 - 09:46

Mason Korea recently hosted the opening ceremony for its Korea Serious Game Institute (KSGI), marking the global expansion of George Mason �鶹��’s Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. KSGI is set to lead innovation in Korea's gaming industry while advancing the use of serious games in education, therapy, and social awareness.

A panel discussion following the event focused on the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in shaping the gaming industry and propelling the development of serious games. Participating were (l-r) James Casey, Associate Professor of Computer Game Design and Co-Director of VSGI; Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts; Sang Nam, Computer Game Design program director and do-director of VSGI; Jinsoo Jeon, former CEO of Superlabs; and Sun Kyun Moon, Education Lead at Microsoft Korea. Photo by Mason Korea

Professor Sang Nam, director of George Mason's Computer Game Design Program and codirector of VSGI, has been appointed as KSGI’s inaugural director. The institute will work closely with Mason Korea’s Industry-�鶹�� Collaboration Foundation to drive its mission forward.

More than 120 distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo of the National Assembly; Yun Won-seok, commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA); Park Byung-geun, CEO of the IGC Foundation; Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts; Professor Kim Mi-kyung from Seoul National �鶹�� College of Medicine; and Lim Ji-hyun, former vice president of Kakao Games.

“Serious games go beyond entertainment to unlock possibilities in education, rehabilitation, and raising social awareness,” said Ahn, who is a medical doctor, businessperson, and software entrepreneur. “KSGI will play a pivotal role in driving this transformation.”

College of Visual and Performing Arts dean Rick Davis spoke at the opening ceremony. Photo by Mason Korea

Ahn expressed hope that KSGI would contribute significantly to Korea’s gaming industry while advancing education and health initiatives. He also emphasized the need for collaboration to fully realize the potential of serious games in Korea.

IFEZA Commissioner Yun Won-seok said the institute would be a new growth engine for Korea’s gaming industry. “This initiative continues the MOU for promoting industry-academia collaboration. I hope KSGI leverages resources from the U.S. campus to enhance local business competitiveness and achieve greater vision.”

Other speakers, including Don Marinelli, co-founder of Carnegie Mellon �鶹��’s Entertainment Technology Center, expressed optimism about KSGI’s potential to drive innovation in both South Korea and the global gaming community.

Following the ceremony, Professor Kim Mi-kyung and her students from Seoul National �鶹��’s Department of Forensic Medicine held discussions on practical applications of serious games in forensic science. Kim highlighted the potential of serious games to revolutionize forensic education and research, underscoring KSGI’s capacity to develop effective tools for training and field investigations. The institute is actively exploring how real-world scenario-based learning through serious games can enhance field-response capabilities.

A panel discussion on “Next-Generation Games: Emerging Technologies and Global Trends” was a key highlight of the event. Moderated by Nam, the panel featured Davis; James Casey, associate professor of computer game design and codirector of VSGI; Jeon Jinsoo, former CEO of Superlabs; and Sun Kyun Moon, education lead at Microsoft Korea. The discussion focused on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in shaping the gaming industry and propelling the development of serious games.

“KSGI will serve as a vital platform connecting Korea and the world by tackling educational challenges and addressing social issues through serious games,” said Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park. “Mason Korea is committed to supporting the development of serious games in Korea, enabling them to create meaningful social impact across diverse domains."

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Dean Park shares his vision for Mason Korea

Colleen Rich — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 18:05:11 +0000

Dean Park shares his vision for Mason Korea Colleen Rich Wed, 11/06/2024 - 13:05

Nearly 20 journalists from national and local media outlets came to the Mason Korea campus in Songdo to hear George Mason �鶹��’s newest dean, Joshua Park, talk about his vision for the international campus.

Mason Korea Dean Joshua Park’s (center) vision for the next five years centers around four strategic goals. Photo provided

“Over the past decade, Mason Korea has expanded more than thirtyfold—from 34 students to 1,000—serving as a bridge between the U.S. and Korea,” said Park, who joined Mason Korea in July. “We will create a global educational hub where outstanding talents can study and conduct research together.”

Park’s vision for the next five years centers around four strategic goals: producing global talent, driving academic innovation, internationalizing Incheon, and strengthening industry partnerships. He aims to increase the international student body and expand partnerships with leading Asian universities to cultivate globally minded graduates.

“We will provide opportunities for exceptional students from regions like China, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia to study here, with top talents supported by scholarship funding,” he said.

Among the new initiatives Park announced are the establishment of an Honors College and the launch of the Korea Serious Game Institute in November.

Park also highlighted plans to promote academic innovation in such fields as artificial intelligence, digital entertainment, and robotics, while collaborating with George Mason’s research institutes in areas such as biohealth and cybersecurity. This will allow Mason Korea to boost both research initiatives and industry–academic partnerships.

To support Incheon’s internationalization, Park emphasized his dedication to expanding international exchange opportunities for local youth, lifelong learning programs for citizens, and creating pathways for domestic companies to enter the U.S. market.

“In 10 years, we aim to be recognized as an institution that positively impacts the development of Incheon and South Korea, and we will work tirelessly toward this goal,” Park said.

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Mason Korea student promotes inclusivity through Korean ArtPop Storytelling Workshop

Colleen Rich — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 17:12:39 +0000

Mason Korea student promotes inclusivity through Korean ArtPop Storytelling Workshop Colleen Rich Mon, 10/14/2024 - 13:12

Seung Gyo Kim, a George Mason �鶹�� senior majoring in conflict analysis and resolution at Mason Korea, is making strides in peacemaking during his final year at George Mason �鶹��’s Fairfax Campus. Kim recently spearheaded the inaugural Korean ArtPop Storytelling Workshop, bringing together more than 100 students from diverse backgrounds during Peace Week.

Students performing at storytelling workshop. Photo provided

“As an international student, I noticed that many international students want to connect with peers from different backgrounds but often gravitate toward familiar groups,” said Kim. “Having served as a vocalist in the Korea Air Force Band, I’ve seen how music can be a universal language for peacebuilding. This inspired me to create a music-based workshop to bridge the gap between international and domestic students.”

The workshop featured live performances of Korean ArtPop songs, a genre that combines the poetry of art music with popular melodies. Trained student facilitators from the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution guided participants in using the music to explore their own stories and build mutual understanding. International students in particular reflected on their motivations for studying in the United States.

Alexandria Lasswell, a student majoring in international security and law, expressed her enthusiasm for the workshop. "My table, mostly made up of international students, was quiet at first, but we noticed another quiet table of domestic students,” she said. “We decided to combine tables and reset the energy. We connected, laughed, and learned about our differences and similarities. It showed me that, to build peaceful relationships, we need to step out of our comfort zones and invite people to the table.”

Workshop participants. Photo provided

This student-led initiative drew on multiple disciplines and received guidance from faculty advisors at George Mason. The event was supported by The Narrative Transformation Lab at the Carter School with sponsorship from the Carter School's Dean’s Office and �鶹�� Life. Audrey Williams, lab manager at the Narrative Transformation Lab, mentored the student cohort for the workshop.

“Seung Gyo has been a truly exceptional student to work with, and his leadership shone throughout the process,” Williams said. “As both an accomplished musician and a student of conflict resolution, he is well-poised to make critical contributions to the practice of arts-based peacebuilding. This was not an event where audience members simply listened to music and then dispersed. The team’s carefully designed questions and prompts opened doors to deeper conversations about belonging among international and domestic students.”

“Being a conflict analysis and resolution major equipped me with the resilience, outreach skills, and leadership abilities needed to lead a multicultural team,” said Kim, who navigated the challenges of organizing a large-scale event throughout the spring semester. “Negotiation was key, as seen in the process with the Washington Cultural Center and the Association for Conflict Resolution – Greater New York Chapter, which was vital for securing endorsements.”

Kim currently also serves on the International Student Advisory Board and as a Mason Korea Ambassador. He aspires to work at the Washington Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., and eventually become a professor, combining art song recitals with peace studies.

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