The First-Ever Integration of Two-Year and Four-Year Universities in Korea
A New Model for Regional Higher Education Innovation
On May 29, Jeonnam Province announced that the planned merger between the national Mokpo National University and Jeonnam Provincial College has received final approval from the Ministry of Education. As a result, the unified university, under the name "Mokpo National University," will officially launch in March next year.
This merger is regarded as a leading example of a national policy aimed at innovating regional universities and responding to the declining school-age population. Jeonnam Provincial College will establish itself as a key player in a new higher education model, where two-year and four-year degree programs are integrated and operated together for the first time in Korea.
Jeonnam Provincial College began full-scale discussions on integration with Mokpo National University in January last year. The two universities, centered around a joint task force, developed a comprehensive integration plan that included the specialization strategy for the Damyang campus, restructuring of academic and administrative systems, and strategies for linking associate and bachelor's degree programs. The integration proposal was refined through feedback from stakeholders, information sessions, and committee reviews, and the official application was submitted to the Ministry of Education in December of the same year.
The Ministry of Education then conducted seven rounds of review committee meetings to thoroughly examine the validity and feasibility of the merger, as well as post-merger operational strategies and contributions to the local community. On May 28, the Ministry granted final approval for the integration of the two universities.
Jeonnam Provincial College's participation in this merger goes beyond a simple consolidation of universities. It marks the beginning of a new higher education paradigm that combines the practical, vocational education of a technical college with the research-oriented education of a national university. In particular, the flexible integration of associate and bachelor's degree programs within a single system is expected to provide students with diverse career planning and growth opportunities.
The newly established Mokpo National University will have its main administration at the Dorim campus, while the Damyang campus will be operated as an industrial and vocational training facility for nurturing global talent. The academic structure will be reorganized to include nine colleges, 18 divisions, and 20 departments at the Dorim campus, and one college, four divisions, and two departments at the Damyang campus, offering curricula tailored to the needs of the region and industry.
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