Honam Medical Students Return to Classes... Gradual Resumption Begins in August

With the reinstatement of medical students who were subject to academic probation, medical schools in the Honam region are expected to gradually resume second semester classes starting in August.

According to Chonnam National University on July 30, the medical school at Chonnam National University will begin clinical practice for third- and fourth-year medical students and lectures for first- and second-year medical students starting next month.

Third- and fourth-year medical students will attend an orientation on campus on August 1, and then begin 52 weeks of clinical practice starting August 4. First- and second-year medical students will start the semester on August 18. They plan to make up for classes not completed in the first semester by holding additional sessions on weekday evenings and during the winter break.

The semester for first- and second-year pre-medical students is scheduled to begin on September 1. Subjects missed during the first semester will be made up during the second semester, this year's winter break, and next year's summer break.

The graduation date for fourth-year medical students will be August next year, in accordance with government policy. Graduation for third-year students is expected in February 2027, and the academic calendar is being coordinated accordingly. Out of the total 893 enrolled students at Chonnam National University Medical School, approximately 700 students (about 350 pre-medical students and 362 medical students), excluding those on military leave and similar absences, are expected to participate in classes.

Chosun University Medical School also plans to coordinate and announce its academic schedule for returning students within this week. It is expected that classes for third- and fourth-year medical students will resume first, as they are required to complete 52 weeks of clinical practice. For other year levels, the school is considering a blended approach, combining online and in-person lectures, but with a greater emphasis on in-person instruction.

Jeonbuk National University will begin classes for medical students who refused to attend lectures in the first semester through a special semester starting August 3. The same applies to the medical school at Wonkwang University. Although the exact dates have not been set, discussions are underway to begin classes sometime in August.

An official from a local medical school stated, "We are currently in discussions with the Ministry of Education to inquire about specific details," and added, "We are in the process of finalizing the overall academic schedule and the graduation timing for third-year medical students."