N.C. State University is putting the brakes on the planning for a campus in South Korea.

The university announced today it will cease, at least temporarily, examining whether to establish a degree-granting education site at the Global University Campus in Songdo, South Korea.

NCSU studied the issue for more than a year before postponing and had in recent months expressed some reservations about the process and promises South Korea officials had made.

“The timing for a major new initiative is not optimal in light of the pressures the university faces in a difficult budget climate,” Provost Warwick Arden said in a news release. “We wish to thank the people and institutions in Korea who provided their time, support and encouragement throughout the feasibility study and initial planning. Any unexpended planning monies received from the Korean government will be returned.”

NC State was one of several institutions approached by the Korean government with a plan to establish American-style higher education in Songdo, in the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ).  The university conducted a feasibility study, which was funded by the Korean government.

Arden added that “although the planning process is on indefinite hold, we will maintain contact with Korean planning authorities and keep options open for future plans. The university will also continue to explore the potential for a study abroad program that would place some of our Raleigh-based students and faculty at the Global University Campus.”