The Korean government plans to go on a road show in U.S. cities where prestigious universities are clustered in a bid to attract young Korean scientists to the new domestic science belt, officials said Sunday.

Vice Minister of Education and Science Kim Chang-kyung will make presentations to Korean scientists on doctoral or post-doctoral courses in Chicago and Boston from Monday to Saturday. He will explain the “Brain Return 500” project focused on bringing Korean scientists back home.

The project aims to draw about 500 promising young scientists to the Institute of Basic Science. The institute will be located in a science belt to be completed by 2017 to cover a cluster of science institutes in Daejeon, about 160 kilometers south of Seoul.

The IBS will be a focal point in putting together different science institutes and research projects and managing them.

“We hope the presentation will not only be a chance to introduce the science belt project to the world and draw promising scientists to it, but also be a great opportunity to hear ideas and opinions on our long-term project to attract distinguished scientists on a global level,” said a ministry official.

The presentation will introduce the nation’s science belt project and the details about its management and future projects.

The ministry expects to hear demands of young Korean researchers in the U.S. who are considering returning to their home country.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)