Mokpo University and Suncheon University have reached a dramatic agreement to merge and establish a joint medical school. Kim Dae-jung, the superintendent of education for Jeollanam-do, expressed his approval of the merger in a press statement on the 18th, stating that it aligns with the desires of the residents for a medical school establishment.
Superintendent Kim emphasized that this merger is significant as it accelerates the long-delayed establishment of a national medical school in Jeollanam-do and serves as a means to resolve regional tensions between the eastern and western parts of the province. He highlighted that the creation of a globally competitive national university and a new medical school in Jeollanam-do would greatly assist local students in making career choices.
He continued, stating that the merger of the two universities, which have been selected for the Ministry of Education’s ‘Glocal30’ project, will positively influence Jeollanam-do’s ‘Glocal Education’ initiatives. He expressed hope for the co-development of a ‘Glocal University’ that extends globally and a ‘Glocal Jeonnam Education’ that harmonizes local and global living.
Superintendent Kim also mentioned that the government should swiftly fulfill its promise to establish a medical school, now that the two universities have shown maturity in solving local issues independently. He assured that the Jeonnam Office of Education would extend all possible cooperation for the university merger and the establishment of the medical school.
The association of Jeollanam-do mayors and county heads also issued a welcoming statement regarding the merger and the establishment of a unified medical school, noting that securing a medical school is essential for improving the poor healthcare environment in Jeonnam and ensuring the right to health for the 1.8 million residents. They mentioned that the universities’ decision is a step towards fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the local population.
The association emphasized that the universities’ agreement serves as a cooperative model for all cities and counties in Jeonnam to overcome the risk of local extinction. They called on all local governments in Jeonnam to pursue genuine regional balanced development through compromise and cooperation.