Ministry of Education to Support Launch of Integrated Universities Including Kangwon National University?Gangneung-Wonju National University

Amendment to the Enforcement Decree on the Establishment of National Schools Passes Cabinet Meeting on the 24th

The Ministry of Education announced on the 24th that a partial amendment to the Enforcement Decree on the Establishment of National Schools was deliberated and approved at a Cabinet meeting.

This amendment was carried out to support the integrated universities set to be launched in March, including Kangwon National University-Gangneung-Wonju National University, Mokpo National University-Jeonnam Provincial College, and Changwon National University-Gyeongnam Provincial Geochang College and Gyeongnam Provincial Namhae College. Through the amendment, the names and organizational structures related to the integrated universities will be changed, and measures will be taken regarding the students and faculty and staff of the universities that are to be closed.

Kangwon National University-Gangneung-Wonju National University was selected in 2023 as a Specialized Local University (formerly Glocal University) based on the “one province, one national university” innovation model, which brings together the strengths and capabilities of national universities into one in order to promote balanced development within Gangwon-do, where regional disparities are significant.

Mokpo National University was selected in 2024 as a Specialized Local University after proposing integration with Jeonnam Provincial College as one of its strategic initiatives to leap forward as a globally specialized maritime university. In the same year, Changwon National University-Gyeongnam Provincial Geochang College and Gyeongnam Provincial Namhae College was selected with an innovation model as a research-centered university in K-Defense, nuclear power, and smart manufacturing that supports the Changwon National Industrial Complex.

Minister of Education Choi Kyojin stated, "University integration is an effective strategy for securing the competitiveness of universities and responding to the crisis of regional extinction," adding, "We will spare no effort in our attention and support so that the newly launched integrated universities can play a leading role in achieving balanced national development."