Seoul medical school applicants hit 10-year low

The number of applicants for medical school early admissions in Seoul has reached its lowest level in ten years. According to an analysis by Jongro Academy for the 2027 academic year, the eight medical colleges in Seoul saw 16,181 applicants, a 1.6% decrease from the previous year and a 32.2% drop compared to the peak in 2021.

Several factors are driving this shift in the academic landscape. The rise of semiconductor contract departments linked to major corporations like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix has provided high-achieving science students with viable alternatives to medical school. Additionally, changes in admission policies have narrowed the opportunities for students from the Seoul metropolitan area.

While applications for regional medical schools available to Seoul students have decreased, there has been a significant surge in applications for regional talent selection tracks. Applicants for these tracks, which are reserved for local students, rose to 15,775, a 40.3% increase from the previous year. Experts suggest that as regional physician selection programs expand, a polarization may occur where Seoul students apply to medical schools less frequently while regional student interest grows.