Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University Reach Dramatic Agreement on University Merger and Integrated Medical School

Night of the 15th, Decision by Two University Presidents... Roadmap Implementation
Momentum Builds for Establishing National Jeonnam Medical School, a Long-Standing Local Wish
Governor Kim Young-rok Welcomes "Resolution of Residents' 30-Year Wish"

Song Hacheol, President of Mokpo National University (right in the photo), and Lee Byeongun, President of Suncheon National University, are posing for a commemorative photo after agreeing to the integration of the two universities. Photo by Mokpo National University

Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University have reached a dramatic agreement on university integration and the establishment of an integrated medical school.

According to Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University on the 16th, Song Ha-cheol, president of Mokpo National University, and Lee Byung-woon, president of Suncheon National University, met on the evening of the 15th and agreed on the principles and roadmap for promoting the integration of the two universities. This has laid the groundwork for resolving the conflict over the establishment of the national Jeonnam Medical School between the eastern and western parts of Jeonnam and has gained further momentum.

Jeonnam Province initially set the deadline for the medical school application as the 15th, and it was expected that integration might face difficulties, but the two university presidents made a dramatic decision that night, taking a step closer to resolving the long-standing wish of the local residents.

The two universities agreed to integrate on equal terms, establish a medical school, and build a healthcare system that guarantees basic medical rights to residents of both eastern and western Jeonnam.

The integration of the two universities is expected not only to improve the medical welfare of the provincial residents but also to proactively respond to the government's policy of 'one national university per province,' foster cooperation among Glocal 30 universities, and realize the growth of a 'top-tier base university' through campus specialization.

The two universities plan to submit an integration application to the Ministry of Education by December, aiming to launch the integrated university in March 2026.

Based on this agreement, Jeonnam Province will promptly support the launch of the integrated university and immediately apply to the government for the allocation of medical school quotas.

Governor Kim Young-rok stated in a welcoming message that “We warmly welcome, together with all provincial residents, the historic and magnanimous agreement on 'university integration' reached by Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University, the representative base national universities of Jeonnam.”

Governor Kim said, “The agreement on the integration of the two universities will surely realize the long-cherished wish of the residents for the establishment of a national medical school that has lasted over 30 years,” adding, “We will promptly recommend the integrated medical school, which is the optimal plan to secure the health and life rights of all residents, to the government and closely consult with them.”

He emphasized, “We will concentrate all our capabilities to secure the quota for the '2026 academic year integrated medical school opening,' and spare no support in building medical infrastructure such as finances necessary for establishing hospitals in both eastern and western regions and expanding medical welfare.”

Governor Kim also said, “Since the two universities have made a truly difficult decision to fulfill the long-standing wish of the residents, now all residents should unite in one heart and mind to support and cheer for the university integration and the integrated medical school,” adding, “We will unite the capabilities and will of all residents and do our utmost to ensure the establishment of the national medical school in Jeollanam-do through this opportunity.”