Education Pledge Announcement... Financial Investment Up to 70% of Seoul National University
Lee Jae-myung "Serious Local Extinction... University Issues at the Core"
The Democratic Party of Korea announced an education policy pledge called the so-called 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities.' It focuses on intensively nurturing nine regional flagship national universities. The goal is to enhance the competitiveness of regional national universities to address issues such as low birth rates and regional extinction caused by the concentration in the metropolitan area.
On the afternoon of the 15th, party leader Lee Jae-myung and Policy Committee Chairman Lee Gae-ho announced this education pledge at a policy meeting held at Chungbuk National University. The nine targeted regional flagship national universities are Kangwon National University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Kyungpook National University, Pusan National University, Gyeongsang National University, Jeonnam National University, Jeonbuk National University, and Jeju National University.
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the policy meeting on "Strengthening the Competitiveness of Regional Hub Universities" held at Chungbuk National University Ochang Campus on the afternoon of the 15th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Leader Lee Jae-myung pointed out, "There is an opinion that government support for regional universities is only about half of that for certain national universities," adding, "This is a flawed policy that causes a vicious cycle, making already difficult regional areas worse." He continued, "South Korea is suffering from regional extinction and metropolitan explosion issues, and at the center of this is the university problem," emphasizing, "Through the 'Era of 10 Seoul National Universities,' regional national universities must receive at least Seoul National University-level support."
The plan is to first increase the education expenditure per student to about 70% of Seoul National University's level, comprehensively improving educational conditions such as excellent faculty, facilities, and equipment. It includes introducing basic competency education programs according to departments and majors, as well as employment support systems and strategies for developing graduate school research environments.
In particular, there is a plan to enact the 'University Balanced Development Act' to establish a legal basis for strengthening support for flagship national universities, regional national universities, and private universities. Additionally, the policy aims to create a 'mecca' of regional education by enhancing student welfare to attract talented individuals and activating participation in university management by students and faculty staff.
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the policy meeting on "Strengthening the Competitiveness of Regional Hub Universities" held at Chungbuk National University Ochang Campus on the afternoon of the 15th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Furthermore, considering that concentrated financial support to flagship national universities may widen the gap with other national and private universities, there is also a plan to increase financial investment in these universities. The budget for national university development projects and university innovation support projects, which are general financial support types, will be increased by up to about 1 trillion won annually to back this up.
Leader Lee said, "Since 2000, 20 regional universities have already closed, and research shows that by 2040, half of all regional universities will shut down." He added, "The Democratic Party believes that balanced regional development is a very core task," emphasizing, "Now, excessive and concentrated support for regional areas is necessary."
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