Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, Visits Sookmyung to Discuss Educational and Research Cooperation
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2026-05-04
Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, officially visited Sookmyung Women's University on Thursday, April 30, to discuss avenues for cooperation in education and research.
The delegation included Lee Joon, a descendant of the Korean imperial family who has ties with the King of Bhutan; William Lee, director of the Cultural Center of Bhutan; Phuntsho Norbu, chief secretary to the Prime Minister; and Tshering Namgay, secretary to the Prime Minister. Representing Sookmyung Women’s University were President Moon Si-yeun, Dean of International Affairs Chun Seh-jae, Dean of Digital Information Renovation Kim Byung-gyu, Dean of External Affairs & Communication Lee Hyung-jin, and Director of the Sookmyung Global Language Institute Kim Kyung-ryeong.
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to expand educational, research, and student exchange programs between Bhutan and Sookmyung Women’s University. In particular, they held in-depth discussions on topics including educational programs for cultivating global women leaders, cooperation in digital transformation and future technology research, and the promotion of cultural and academic exchanges among students.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of establishing a sister-university partnership between Sookmyung Women’s University — the only royal university in Korea founded by the royal household of the Korean Empire in 1906 — and Royal University of Bhutan. Both parties expressed their shared commitment to expanding cultural and academic exchanges among students through close institutional networking.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay stated, “I hope talented women from Bhutan will experience Sookmyung Women’s University’s advanced educational system and grow into global leaders.” In response, Chairman Lee Joon remarked, “Our association will provide scholarships so that outstanding Bhutanese students can fully devote themselves to their studies at Sookmyung Women’s University.” The initiative is expected to establish a practical foundation for talent development cooperation between the two institutions.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and his delegation visited the Sookmyung Women's University Museum to tour the special exhibition “The Future Dreamed of by the Korean Empire”, commemorating the university’s 120th anniversary. The exhibition was organized to highlight the roots of modern women’s education through the legacy of Queen Sunheon, the founder of Sookmyung Women’s University.
As the exhibition was jointly organized with the Association for King Uichin Memorial Projects and the Daegu National Museum, Lee Joon, the great-grandson of Emperor Gojong, personally explained the historical significance of the royal artifacts. Through this experience, the Bhutanese delegation gained a deeper understanding of the tradition of women’s education in Korea and the founding spirit of Sookmyung Women’s University.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay previously served as Bhutan’s prime minister from 2013 to 2018 and returned to office in 2024 as the country’s 13th prime minister, leading Bhutan’s democratic and economic development. Earlier this March, the Bhutanese delegation visited Korea and discussed a range of issues — including K-culture, economic infrastructure, and AI technology strategies — with the National Assembly and major local governments. Their visit to Sookmyung Women’s University is particularly meaningful in that it expanded bilateral exchanges into the field of education.
President Moon Si-yeun stated, “We hope Bhutan’s philosophy of happiness and Sookmyung’s educational values can come together to create synergy for a sustainable future,” adding, “This visit will serve as an opportunity to further advance our academic and people-to-people exchanges with Bhutan.”
