At Chonnam National University, campus life underwent a drastic transformation at the start of the year as artificial intelligence tools became free and easy to use for everyone.
In December 2025, the university announced that all 30,000 members of its campus, including students, professors, and staff members, would receive free access to eight major generative AI programs: ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, Grok, Rama, Mistral, and Qwen. The tools can help users write and edit text, create images, search for information, write code, translate languages, and analyze data. Normally, such services would cost about 200,000 won per month.
What made the decision unusual was that everyone received the same access, no matter their major or job. Education experts said this step could close achievement gaps between students and provide more people with the opportunity to build important digital skills.
Professors can utilize AI to prepare lessons more efficiently, while students can use it to organize ideas, check facts, and plan projects. The university also provides training and clear guidelines to promote the safe and ethical use of AI.
Chonnam National University aims to accelerate AI innovation across all areas of education, research, and administration, thereby gaining a competitive edge both domestically and globally.