In Front of the University Headquarters... Integration Growing Pains Expected to Intensify
As Kyungpook National University (KNU) and Kumoh National Institute of Technology (Kumoh Tech) in North Gyeongsang Province push forward with their integration plans, KNU students are protesting. KNU students have taken off their department jumpers (gwajam) in what they call a 'gwajam protest.'
KNU-Kumoh Tech Integration Push... Background Includes Declining School-Age Population and Implementation of Glocal Universities
On the 5th, in front of the main building of Kyungpook National University in Buk-gu, Daegu, Kyungpook National University students are taking off their department jumpers to protest against the integration of Kyungpook National University and Kumoh National Institute of Technology. [Image source=Yonhap News]
According to KNU and Kumoh Tech on the 6th, Hong Won-hwa, president of KNU, and Kwak Ho-sang, president of Kumoh Tech, agreed to start discussions on integration at the National Association of Public University Presidents meeting held on November 30. The two universities plan to discuss and prepare specific measures for integration.
The integration talks are interpreted as an effort to overcome the survival crisis of universities in response to the declining school-age population.
Additionally, the current government support policy for 'Glocal Universities' is accelerating the integration of national and public universities, which is also seen as a reason behind the move.
The Glocal University project focuses on intensively supporting regional universities to develop them into world-class (global) universities, aiming to promote mutual growth between the region and the university.
Locally, the integration of the two universities is expected to have significant effects on revitalizing regional industry and the economy.
In particular, it is anticipated to play a role in fostering talent for semiconductor-specialized universities and utilizing the characteristics of regional industries such as the Gumi National Industrial Complex, leading not only to university development but also to regional industrial revitalization.
A KNU official explained, "Semiconductors play a significant role in the development of the U.S. industry, and since semiconductors are also one of Daegu's main industries, although it is a localized aspect, there could be a synergistic effect in the semiconductor field resulting from the university integration."
KNU Students Protest by Taking Off Gwajam... Announce Group Demonstrations
On the 6th, in front of the main building of Kyungpook National University in Buk-gu, Daegu, Kyungpook National University students protested against the integration of Kyungpook National University and Kumoh National Institute of Technology by taking off and laying down their department jumpers. [Image source=Yonhap News]
However, some students who heard the news are expressing their opposition to the integration in front of the university headquarters.
They expressed their opposition by leaving their 'gwajam' on the steps of the university headquarters.
On KNU's online community, there are discussions such as "If the two universities integrate, the university name might change to Kyunggeum University (KNU + Kumoh Tech)," and voices opposing the integration are growing louder.
Students claim, "There was no consultation with students during the integration discussions with Kumoh Tech, and they are trying to push through a one-sided integration."
Some students have announced plans for solo protests or have filed for group demonstration permits and intend to hold collective protests.
KNU and Kumoh Tech previously attempted integration in 2007, but it was unsuccessful. In 2008, KNU and Sangju University (now KNU Sangju Campus) merged to enhance the competitiveness of national universities.
Following Pusan National University and Pusan National University of Education, Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime and Ocean University Also Push for Integration
Meanwhile, university integration discussions are also underway in Busan.
Following the 'Pusan National University and Pusan National University of Education integration model' selected in the 2023 Glocal University competition, discussions on integrating Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime and Ocean University, national universities specializing in marine and fisheries sciences in the Busan area, are expected to surface ahead of the 2024 Glocal University competition.
Pukyong National University announced on the 6th, "We are formalizing discussions on integration with Korea Maritime and Ocean University and will proceed with internal public discussions and opinion gathering procedures."
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