Integrated National Changwon University to Launch on March 1, 2026
Gyeongnam Provincial Geochang College, Gyeongnam Provincial Namhae College, and National Changwon University will be merged under the name "National Changwon University."
On the morning of May 29, Gyeongnam Province, National Changwon University, and the two provincial colleges held a press conference at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Press Center, announcing that the Ministry of Education has given final approval for the integration of Gyeongnam Provincial Geochang College, Gyeongnam Provincial Namhae College, and National Changwon University.
Gyeongnam Province, which has been the only region in the country to operate two provincial colleges, explained that it had been discussing the integration of the provincial colleges since the third popularly elected administration in 2005, and that it has now achieved integration with a national university during the current eighth administration.
National Changwon University (from the far left), Gyeongnam Provincial Geochang College, Gyeongnam Provincial Namhae College. Provided by National Changwon University
The integrated National Changwon University is scheduled to officially launch on March 1, 2026.
For the first time in the nation, a "multi-layered degree system" will be introduced, allowing both 2- to 3-year associate degree programs and 4-year bachelor's degree programs to be operated without reducing the admission quota.
The plan is to nurture both practical associate degree holders and highly skilled research personnel desired by local companies, including those in the Changwon National Industrial Complex, in order to prevent the outflow of young talent.
The "bachelor's degree transition system," which enables associate degree students to transfer internally to 4-year or graduate programs, will also continue to be implemented.
The university will operate three campuses, each maintaining the unique characteristics of the existing colleges.
▲ The Changwon Campus will specialize in defense industry (D), nuclear power (N), smart manufacturing (A), nanobio and hydrogen energy (+), and UGRIC HuMANS. ▲ The Geochang Campus will focus on future defense industry (D), smart manufacturing (A), public nursing, anti-aging human care, drone convergence, and Ag-Tech. ▲ The Namhae Campus will specialize in aviation and marine defense industry (D), energy safety (nuclear power, N), and tourism convergence.
The academic structure will consist of 7 colleges, 18 divisions, 55 departments, and 7 graduate schools. The administrative structure will include 1 president, 1 vice president, 7 offices, 1 bureau, 1 headquarters, and 5 administrative offices. In the first year of integration in 2026, the university plans to recruit 2,447 students.
Gyeongnam Province Governor Park Wansu is announcing the final approval news of the integration between the provincial university and the National Changwon University, as well as future operation plans. Photo by Lee Seryung
Gyeongnam Province will grant National Changwon University free use of the land and buildings of the provincial college campuses in 5-year increments, and will provide temporary financial support of 20 billion KRW over 5 years to ensure stable settlement and operation.
To support current faculty and public officials, the university will secure national positions, and employment for university accounting staff, public employees, and contract workers will be continued.
Governor Park Wansu stated, "After continuous efforts, we have finally achieved the great integration with a national university," and added, "Outstanding students and faculty will naturally gather, and a virtuous cycle will be created where the region and the university grow together."
He continued, "With the conversion of the provincial college campuses to national status, their brand value has increased and the university's operating expenses are now stably secured through national funding. The human and material infrastructure built by the three universities can also be utilized together, which will further enhance the quality of education and the university's competitiveness."
Governor Park added, "Gyeongnam Province will spare no administrative and financial support to ensure the integrated university settles stably and grows together with the region."
Park Minwon, President of Changwon National University, is explaining the operational direction after the integration. Photo by Lee Seryeong
Park Minwon, President of Changwon University, said, "By June 2026, the new National Changwon University will leap forward with new educational innovation," and added, "This is an unprecedentedly successful case of integration, with all nine groups of faculty, staff, and students supporting it nationwide."
He also declared, "We will operate a new academic system never before experienced in Korea, nurturing both associate degree holders and highly skilled talents to meet the U-shaped talent demand, and respond to the outflow of local talent and the decline in the school-age population. Together with the Geochang and Namhae campuses, we will achieve change and innovation, draw an upward curve, and make National Changwon University the central university of Gyeongnam."
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