First in Korea to Offer Both Two-Year and Four-Year Degree Programs
A Leap Forward as a Regional Flagship National University... The First Step Toward Innovation for Local Universities
National Mokpo University (President Song Hacheol) and Jeonnam Provincial University (Acting President Yoon Jin-ho) received final approval from the Ministry of Education for their university merger on May 28. As a result, the two institutions will officially launch as the newly integrated "National Mokpo University" on March 1 next year.
According to Mokpo University on May 29, this merger is part of a policy initiative to promote integration among regional universities. It is regarded as a significant milestone aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of local higher education and responding to the declining school-age population.
The two universities began full-scale discussions on the merger in January last year. Through joint and working committees, they developed a comprehensive integration plan that includes key elements such as ▲ campus specialization strategies, ▲ restructuring of academic and administrative organizations, and ▲ articulation between associate and bachelor's degree programs.
This integration plan was finalized after gathering feedback from members, holding internal briefings, and undergoing reviews by relevant committees. The application was submitted to the Ministry of Education in December last year. The Ministry then conducted seven rounds of consolidation review committee meetings, comprehensively evaluating not only the validity of the merger but also post-merger campus operation strategies, directions for academic restructuring, and the potential for collaboration with local industries. On May 28, the Ministry gave final approval for the merger of the two universities.
The most notable feature of this merger is that, for the first time in Korea, a single university will operate both two-year and four-year degree programs under one institution. This will enable students to transition flexibly from associate degree programs to bachelor's degree programs, creating an educational environment that supports diverse career pathways.
In addition, the organic combination of practice-oriented education from the junior college and research-focused education from the national university is expected to enable the cultivation of "customized high-level talent" who can immediately respond to the needs of local industries.
President Song Hacheol stated, "Through this merger, National Mokpo University will operate seven specialized campuses in connection with local industries, providing an opportunity to become one of the nation's top regional national universities that grows together with the community." He added, "To ensure the successful launch of the integrated university in March next year, we will work closely with Jeonnam Provincial University to thoroughly prepare detailed implementation tasks, including the enactment and revision of university regulations, the establishment of an integrated management system, and the improvement of the infrastructure at the Damyang campus."
Yoon Jin-ho, Acting President of Jeonnam Provincial University, emphasized, "The integrated university will be an innovative higher education model that simultaneously cultivates skilled workers and technical professionals to lead the industries of Jeollanam-do." He continued, "Students will grow into community-based talent who bring new vitality to the region, and I will do my utmost to actively support and contribute to establishing the integrated university as the best national university."
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