This article delves into the establishment of Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), often referred to as the “Korean Caltech,” with a focus on theoretical physicist and educator Hogil Kim (1933-1994). During the 1980s, a period marked by a growing societal demand for universities to actively engage in scientific and technological research and development, Kim initiated the creation of the Yeonam Institute of Technology and later, POSTECH. These endeavors were sponsored by present-day LG and POSCO respectively. However, the realization of Kim’s vision for a Korean Caltech faced numerous challenges. Conflicts emerged with POSCO and its research unit, RIST, regarding the university’s research autonomy. In terms of what makes a university “world-class,” Kim’s vision lacked clarity beyond the pursuit of Nobel Prize recognition. Additionally, a nationalist perspective often eclipsed the international outlook. Nonetheless, the establishment of POSTECH represented a significant milestone, embodying a distinctive effort driven by scientists for scientists in the history of science and technology in modern Korea.