South Korea keen on academic ties with India

India-South Korea relations dates back to 2000 years, but, the collaboration has taken a new pace in the last three decades, according to Shin Bongkil, ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India, who believes that exchange of academic ideas between the two countries is the way forward. He said: "Many Indian universities have visited South Korea, including Jamia Millia Islamia, and I believe that the oriental way of education has great potential to develop industry-academia alliance." South Korea is facing a record low fertility rate because of which there is a decrease in the young population. "Due to a scarcity of young minds in South Korea, the universities have opened doors for international students, especially India. "Indian students lack awareness about opportunities in South Korea. Korean universities also offer a number of scholarships exclusively for Indian students. The US and the UK still top the list of favourite destinations for Indians to study abroad," he added. To attract these young Indian students, the Republic of Korea may roll out special plans and schemes soon. Bongkil said: "India is a growing global power with high-quality manpower and South Korea has a strong and smart IT industry, which can generate fruitful bilateral relationships between both the countries. In the near future, South Korea can create more employment opportunities for Indians.”