Mokpo, South Korea – Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University have jointly submitted a merger application to the Ministry of Education on December 31st.

The two universities, which agreed to pursue a merger and establish a combined medical school in mid-November, have formed a joint committee and worked diligently to finalize the application. After undergoing internal reviews and a joint committee evaluation, the final application was submitted to the Ministry.

The application outlines the universities' objectives, including:

Leveraging the strengths and academic characteristics of each region to create a specialized vision.
Maximizing synergies in education and research through strengthened collaboration with the local community.
Implementing various support programs for students and the community.
A key focus of the merger is the establishment of a medical school to enhance the regional healthcare system. The universities aim to create a bio-medical industry cluster to foster high-value-added advanced industries, positioning themselves as a hub for research and education.

"The merger application represents a significant decision by both universities to enhance the sustainable development of the local community and the competitiveness of higher education," said Song Ha-cheol, President of Mokpo National University, and Lee Byeong-woon, President of Suncheon National University. "The new, globally connected university that will emerge from this merger will create a promising future and grow together with the region." They added, "We will make every effort to secure additional medical school quotas and establish a combined medical school and university hospital that specializes in essential and regional healthcare."