WINNERS GALLERY

INCHEON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

According to this year’s National Brand Competitiveness Index (NCI) analysis, Incheon National University topped the list among national universities with a comprehensive favorability score of 77.86 points. The university received high praise across all key indicators, including brand awareness, quality, loyalty, and global competitiveness.

NCI goes beyond simple preference surveys to analyze the brand value that consumers experience in a more nuanced way. It measures a brand’s actual competitiveness by quantifying the correlation between individual item evaluations and overall favorability, and then assigns weights based on this correlation. In this evaluation system, Incheon National University has consistently ranked first across all areas, achieving a remarkable five-year streak of top honors.

Since its transition to a national university in 2013, Incheon National University has consistently demonstrated sustained growth across all areas, including education, research, entrepreneurship, and university evaluation. Notably, it has also achieved top-tier results in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), further solidifying its position as a leading international university. In addition, the institution has built an ESG-based university management system, strengthened its public role as a national university by expanding partnerships with local communities through regional platforms, and created greater social value.

“Incheon University is evolving into a globally competitive institution through sustained innovation across all aspects of education, research, and social contribution,” said President Lee In-jae. “Going forward, we will build on our ESG-based management framework to enhance the long-term sustainability of our university operations and continue to boost our competitiveness through data-driven performance management.”

2026 WINNERS