PROJECTS

Korea National University of Arts Selected for National Cultural Content R&D Human Resources Development Project to Lead Next-Generation Metaverse Talent Initiatives

Korea National University of Arts (KARTS, President Bong-ryul Kim) has been selected for the Cultural Content R&D Professional Training Project hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), taking the lead in cultivating next-generation talent to drive metaverse content and the arts.

The KOCCA project will provide 2.75 billion KRW (approx. $2.3 million USD) in government funding over three years to foster high-level technical professionals by integrating advanced technologies with cultural media domains such as performing arts, exhibitions, film, and gaming.

Led by the KARTS Art & Technology Lab (AT Lab), the consortium brings together leading technical, corporate, and international partners—including Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), LG U+, industry partners GP Crew and Birdhand, and global media arts institution Ars Electronica. Together, they will conduct collaborative research and creation across key metaverse domains, including AI actors and virtual performances.

Project Vision & Objectives

"While interest and discourse surrounding the metaverse are surging, the vital importance of the actual content and creative talent required to sustain it is often overlooked. By combining POSTECH's cutting-edge scientific expertise in AI, computer vision, and haptics, Ars Electronica’s global network, LG U+’s leadership in 5G content, and the technical depth of our industry partners with KARTS’ artistic creation and educational strengths, our goal is to train multidisciplinary creators and cultural researchers who will shape the future of metaverse content."

— Seung-Mu Lee, Project Director & Head of KARTS AT Lab (Professor at School of Film, TV & Multimedia)

Global Standing & Excellence

KARTS ranked 36th globally in Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, achieving the highest rank among Korean institutions.

Its designated research entity, AT Lab, serves as an interdisciplinary creative laboratory bridging science, technology, arts, industry, and education. Working alongside global enterprises, universities, and research institutes, AT Lab develops pioneering work in immersive media, advanced medical technology, and AI-driven content.

AT Lab's accolades and milestones include:

• SCARECROW VRC (2020): Won Best Immersive Game at the Raindance Film Festival and the Digital Storytelling Innovation Award from Columbia University’s Digital Storytelling Lab (DSL).

• Rain Fruits (KOCCA-supported): Officially selected and invited to world-premiering digital festivals, including Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, and Cannes XR.

• Global Distribution: Secured an international distribution deal with Iconic Engine (subsidiary of Digital Domain), reinforcing its role as an international trendsetter in immersive and metaverse content creation.