Sunchon National University selected as candidate for new national medical school

Sunchon National University has been selected as the candidate institution for the establishment of a new national medical school in the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City region. The selection follows a recommendation by Mayor Min Hyung-bae, with Sunchon National University scoring 89.15 points, surpassing Mokpo National University's 87.85.

Local governments and academic leaders have expressed strong support for the decision, viewing it as a critical step toward resolving the medical shortage in the eastern region. Gwangyang City and Suncheon City emphasized the need for a comprehensive medical system that includes both a medical school and a university hospital capable of handling severe, emergency, and essential medical needs. Specifically, Gwangyang highlighted the importance of addressing industrial accidents and occupational diseases related to the local steel, port, and secondary battery industries.

Following the selection, the focus shifts to the western region, including Mokpo. The Jeonnam Gwangju administration has pledged to develop medical, educational, and research infrastructure in the western area to ensure regional balance. This includes plans to strengthen existing medical institutions and potentially establish a regional hub hospital to provide high-level medical services to the western population. The final establishment of the medical school remains subject to approval from the Ministry of Education and the securing of student quotas, with a target opening date of 2030.