Go to contents Go to menus
Global Hub of Infrastructure and
Urban Studies

PROGRAMS

  • PROGRAMS
  • Training Course
  • Global Urban Leaders Program

Global Urban Leaders Program

Program Introduction

The Global Urban Leaders Program (GULP) is a five-month non-degree program hosted by the International School of Urban Sciences (ISUS) at the University of Seoul. Designed for senior public officials from developing countries, GULP aims to foster international cooperation by sharing Seoul’s successful urban development experiences and best practices. Through an intensive curriculum, participants will gain practical knowledge in urban management, policy planning, and sustainable development.

Purpose of Education

The primary purpose of GULP is to build a global network of urban leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to address complex urban challenges. The program aims to foster collaboration between Seoul and its partner cities, enhancing international cooperation and promoting sustainable urban development through shared knowledge and experiences.

Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will have

  • Enhanced capacity to design and implement effective urban policies.
  • Skills to leverage ODA funds and apply successful Seoul models in local contexts.
  • Contribution to sustainable urban development globally.

Eligibility of Participants

  • Senior public officials with over ten years of experience in urban management
  • Proficiency in English required
  • Strong commitment to applying Seoul's urban policy experiences to home cities

Support

  • Financial Support
    • Tuition and dormitory fees.
    • Round-trip airfare.
    • Monthly living allowance
    • Medical checkups
    • Field trip expenses
  • Project Support
    • Guidance in drafting PCPs by senior officials from Seoul Metropolitan Government
    • Continuous support to align submitted PCPs with available funding in Korea, assisting in the implementation of the projects in their own country.

Completion Requirement

  • Submission of two Project Concept Papers (PCPs)
  • One PCP endorsed by the home government by submitting the Letter of Intent
  • Participation in all program activities, including lectures and site visits

Training Schedule (Period of Training: 5 months)

Training Schedule list: Period, Contents
Period Contents
November-December
(previous year)		 Application Submission and Review
February Entry to the Program
Early March Preliminary Session (Medical Checkup, Orientation)
March ~ April 1st term (Lectures, Field trips, PCP Advisors matched & PCP Writing)
May ~ June 2nd term (Lectures, Field trips, PCP Writing)
July Project Concept Paper Presentation & Completion Ceremony

Curriculum

Curriculum List: No, Module, Course
No Module Course
1 Preliminary Session Korean Cultural Experience(7h), GULP Special Lecture Series(6h)
2 International Development Cooperation Case Study(3h), Infrastructure Development Management(9h), Project Financing(3h)
3 Policy Practices of Seoul Case Study(3h), E-Government(3h), Energy(3h), Public Housing(3h), Public Transportation(3h), Transportation(3h), Urban Design & Urban Development(3h), Waste Management(3h), Water Management(6h)
4 Smart City Carbon Neutrality Policy(6h), Smart Cities and Emerging Technologies(6h), Understanding Smart City(6h), Water Management(6h)
5 Urban Management Case Study(6h), Housing(3h), Land(6h), Transportation Planning(6h), Urban Finance(6h), Urban Planning(6h)
6 Field trip Disaster Management(4h), Energy(28h), Housing(8h), Industry(24h), Korea Economic Development(4h), Regeneration(4h), Smart City(4h), Transport(4h), Waste Management(8h), Water Management(4h)
7 Project Development Practicum PCP Writing(12h), PCP Guidance(16h), Team-based Project Development(42h)
8 Etc Workshop(3h)