Internationalization and regional revitalization in South Korean universities outside the Seoul metropolis: an analysis of good practices that go beyond policy frameworks

Purpose This study examines how regional universities in South Korea are integrating internationalization and community engagement in response to demographic decline and uneven development. It focuses on the implications of the 2023 Regional Innovation System and Education (RISE) initiative, which shifts university planning authority to local governments. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study methodology, the study applied the Civic University and Policy Learning frameworks to interpret institutional strategies. Data was collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with the faculty and staff at two private non-metropolitan universities and thematically analyzed to identify key patterns. Findings Four enabling factors were identified–global–local integration, region-rooted specialization, inclusive governance and shared institutional vision and culture. These findings illustrate how regionally embedded practices that predate RISE can offer grounded insights for shaping future approaches to internationalization and regional revitalization. Originality/value This study highlights the need for context-sensitive policy design grounded in locally embedded institutional practices, rather than relying on standardized or Western-centric models. It advances comparative debates on higher education reform by demonstrating how regional universities can act as civic agents and learning organizations, offering policy-relevant insights for emerging frameworks such as RISE.