ANDONG — North Gyeongsang Province is accepting applications through the 27th for its "Gyeongbuk K-Scientist" program, which recruits researchers to settle in the region and help nurture local strategic industries and strengthen technological competitiveness.
The province plans to select about 11 scholars in fields including artificial intelligence and robotics, advanced materials such as semiconductors and secondary batteries, and medicine and biotechnology.
The province appointed its first group of nine K-Scientists in July 2025. They provided advisory support on strengthening the region's medical infrastructure, developing next-generation small modular reactor technology and setting policy for the North Gyeongsang Grand Transition Committee, and delivered more than 50 science lectures to residents, public officials and students.
They also helped a project to expand children's science experience facilities in Chilgok County secure 1 billion won in state funding.
For this round, the province widened eligibility from retired and soon-to-retire scientists to include those still working.
Those selected will move into the K-Scientist Village and begin their work in the first half of next year.
The village, under construction on the northern side of Hominji reservoir in Gagok-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, will be the country's first residential complex for highly experienced scientists and engineers, with 38 housing buildings and nine shared facilities.
"Together with scholars who have outstanding research records and experience in academic exchange, we will make North Gyeongsang the nation's capital of science and technology leading the era of regional development," said Kim Bo-young, head of the province's artificial intelligence policy division.
