Electronics Engineering Surpasses Computer Science as Top Choice for 57% of Korean University Students Amid Semiconductor Boom

According to Seoul Economic, reported on July 3-4, 2026, Shin Han Financial Group held its 2026 second-half executive forum with approximately 300 managers, declaring artificial intelligence transformation (AX) as a core strategic priority. Chairman Jin Ok-dong emphasized the urgency of AI adoption, stating that companies failing to adapt now have no future.

The shift reflects broader changes in South Korean higher education. A recent analysis of Seoul metropolitan region universities found that 57.1% of self-designed major students at Sungkyunkwan University, 52.8% at Kwangwoon University, and 52.5% at Kyung Hee University's international campus selected electronics engineering as their first choice—a sharp reversal from two years prior when computer science dominated among top-tier universities. The trend is driven by semiconductor companies' massive investment announcements and expectations of substantial bonuses. Meanwhile, the global robotics security market is projected to expand from $4.7 billion in 2024 to $14.3 billion by 2035, creating significant employment opportunities in a field requiring hybrid expertise across cybersecurity, robotics, and artificial intelligence.