The University of Utah is expanding its global academic footprint through a new international partnership with one of South Korea’s leading research institutions.

On May 28, 2026, the University of Utah’s Department of City and Metropolitan Planning officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Graduate School of Urban Studies at Hanyang University during a ceremony held at the University of Utah Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea.

“This partnership reflects the University of Utah’s commitment to building meaningful global collaborations that prepare students and researchers to tackle the world’s most pressing urban challenges,” said Mitzi M. Montoya, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Utah. “By connecting expertise across Korea and the United States, we are creating new opportunities for innovation, discovery, and student success.”

The partnership brings together two institutions recognized for their strengths in urban research and planning education. Through the agreement, both universities will collaborate on faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, academic conferences and seminars, and the sharing of educational resources and expertise.

University leaders also announced plans for a summer scholar exchange program that will allow students and faculty members to participate in short-term research and academic visits between South Korea and the United States, helping foster cross-cultural collaboration and real-world global learning experiences.

The signing ceremony welcomed distinguished leaders and faculty members from both institutions, including Mitzi M. Montoya, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs; Greg Hill, chief administrative officer and dean of faculty at the University of Utah Asia Campus; Randy McCrillis, senior international officer; Divya Chandrasekhar, chair of the Department of City & Metropolitan Planning; Reazul Ahsan, program lead for the Department of City & Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah Asia Campus; and Idil Ayral, assistant professor in the Department of City & Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah Asia Campus.

Representing Hanyang University were Chang Gyu Choi, dean of the Graduate School of Urban Studies; Joonho Ko, chair of the Department of Urban and Regional Development Management; and Dong-ah Choi, assistant professor at the Graduate School of Urban Studies.

The ceremony highlighted the growing role of the University of Utah Asia Campus as a hub for international collaboration, innovation, and global education in the Asia-Pacific region. Located in Songdo International City in Incheon, the Asia Campus offers students the same curriculum and degree programs as the university’s home campus in Salt Lake City while creating unique opportunities for international engagement and cross-border academic partnerships.

As the partnership begins, leaders from both universities expressed optimism that the collaboration will evolve into a long-term platform for transformative research, global student experiences, and innovative solutions for the future of cities worldwide.