School Introduction

College of Computing


Department of Artificial Intelligence

Vision

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has created an urgent global need, including in Korea, for highly skilled AI professionals. In response to this demand, Yonsei University established the Department of Artificial Intelligence within its Graduate School in 2020. As a newly founded department on the Sinchon Campus, its aim is to cultivate world-class experts in Artificial Intelligence, a pivotal technology for future industries.
To achieve this goal, the curriculum provides a systematic education in cutting-edge AI technologies, including machine learning, big data, computer vision, robotics, and natural language processing, built upon foundational coursework in computer programming, mathematics, algorithms, and statistics. Furthermore, leveraging Yonsei University's status as one of Korea's largest comprehensive universities, the department plays a crucial role in AI convergence education across various disciplines. This positions it as a central hub for AI education and research for the entire university.

Research Programs

The LE.A.P.(LEarning, Architecture, Perception) Program

To overcome the limitations of existing AI technologies, we focus our efforts developing core AI capabilities in three areas: LEarning, Architecture, and Perception. Our goal is to “Develop lightweight and efficient foundational core AI technology that cooperates with humans and uses knowledge and cognition” through offering 30 related AI courses through a specialized curriculum.

  • LEarning : Advancement of foundational AI technology through research AI models and overcoming their limitations, explainable AI, and human-in-the-loop AI models.
  • Architecture : Advancement of AI computing through research on computer systems and architectures of artificial intelligence platforms for accelerating and optimizing artificial intelligence models, next-generation deep learning model accelerators, and machine learning architecture design.
  • Perception : Advancement of language/voice/visual cognitive intelligence and of cognitive technology for AI+X convergence research through research on language/audio/video generation and improvement of comprehension skills.
The M.E.S.H.(Medicine, Engineering, financial Service, Humanity) Program

Yonsei University, as a comprehensive university, focuses on four AI+X application areas (Medicine, Engineering, financial Service, Humanity) to maximize the synergistic strengths from delivering the strong foundation AI applied research to the application areas. The department performs AI+X convergence research and offers AI convergence courses for all students.

  • AI+Medicine : Utilizing vast medical data from the globally renowned Yonsei University Health System, research and education efforts aim to revolutionize healthcare services and the medical industry through core precision medicine technologies and explainable clinical AI. Collaborations include global institutions like MIT, Stanford University, and Cleveland Clinic, as well as domestic startups and SMEs such as InBody and DEEPNOID.
  • AI+Engineering : To foster the development and research of AI technologies essential for future industries such as smart factories, robotics, and autonomous vehicles—in conjunction with the cutting-edge majors within the College of Engineering—we have established a robust collaborative framework. This framework includes diverse industry cooperation projects and recruitment-linked internships with both domestic and international companies, as well as leading global research and educational institutions.
  • AI+financial Service : Through close collaboration with the School of Business and the Graduate School of Information, AI-based courses addressing entrepreneurship, business, and finance are provided. Partnerships with major Korean financial institutions and global players like Barclays aim to develop AI interpretation technologies for financial decision-making and services. Yonsei also fosters entrepreneurship through initiatives like YVIP and the Yonsei AI Investment Fund.
  • AI+Humanity : Research and education programs focus on improving quality of life and creating social value by addressing technological and policy issues related to AI ethics and law. Collaborative projects with public institutions like the Seoul Metropolitan Government aim to promote AI innovation for marginalized communities and socially vulnerable groups.

Career Opportunities

The rapid growth in the AI sector has led to a continuous global increase in demand for artificial intelligence experts. Graduates from Department of Artificial Intelligenceare well-positioned to pursue careers as AI developers and researchers at leading companies both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, they have the option to launch technology-based startups or expand their careers through convergence with various other industrial fields. Many also actively pursue advanced education, including doctoral programs, for more in-depth research.

BK21 Four-Stage Department of Artificial Intelligence:
AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) Innovative Talent Education and Research Group

The Next-Generation AGI Research Talent Development Education and Research Group aims to respond to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and the societal demands for AI. Moving beyond scattered research efforts, the group envisions fostering world-class AGI researchers and becoming a global research hub through large-scale interdisciplinary research and advanced education. In particular, it focuses on Interactive AGI, AI+X Convergence, Multimodal Foundation Models, and Specialized Applications in Healthcare and Robotics, with the goal of entering the global top 20 AI education and research groups within the next decade. To achieve this vision and goals, the group has identified 13 strategic initiatives across four key areas: education, research, industry-academia collaboration, and globalization. By leveraging interdisciplinary convergence, global partnerships, and high-performance research infrastructure, it aims to establish a future-oriented AI talent development system.