Oxford Seoul search

Oxford University is indeed deep into Korea ("Abroad the Seoul Train",THES, December 23) but not with an intention of setting up a branch campus. The university is developing its strong links with leading Korean universities. An agreement was signed with Seoul National University during the Oxford vice chancellor's recent visit in July, formalising active collaboration forged over the past 15 years. We have also played a major role in the development of Korean science and technology. We are not in Korea simply to raise our own funding. There is a natural reciprocity in our relations with Korean institutions.

Denis Noble Chairman International Committee Balliol College, Oxford