Local universities gathered at the COEX Convention Hall for the technical exhibition of local universities, sponsored by the Brain Korea 21 (BK21) Local University Fostering Group from September 18 to 19.

The BK21 is a program supporting outstanding universities, specializing the students so they are able to face and cope with the fast changing knowledge-based society. Financial assistance is provided to the universities so that the universities can concentrate on their study. This exhibition was arranged to inform the public about the BK21 project and to show the works of local universities that are fostered by it.

The Convention Hall was full of visitors and participants busy with their projects. The exhibit was divided into 3 categories: the mechanical field, information-communication, and marine science. A total of 42 universities such as Chungbuk National University and Donga University participated with 330 types of projects such as robots and electronic wheel chairs for the disabled. Each booth was remarkably well made, the students¡¯ hard work could be well noticed.

Kyungpook National University¡¯s Bak Seong-ha who participated the exhibition with the 4-legged robot which moves smoothly just like human said, ¡°By participating the exhibition, I got a chance to compare myself with the other university students and learn from their work.¡± He also quoted, ¡°BK21 is a beneficial system since we can make our dreams come true by studying the fields we want without worrying about the research funds.¡±

The visitors enjoyed themselves too with entertaining displays and practicable works such as various games and devices like the Online Magic Tetris and the stress-measuring program. Don U-gyu from Sangju National University remarked, ¡°The exhibition was interesting with variety of materials. Yet I think that Korea¡¯s universities still need improvements. I hope this kind of event is held constantly for university students.¡±