The First Integrated University in South Korea: Discover the Benefits of National Changwon University’s Unique Approach

[Point Economy] Gyeongnam Province, National Changwon University, and the province’s public colleges in Geochang and Namhae have merged to form the Integrated National Changwon University. The new institution is the nation’s first to introduce a multi-tier bachelor’s degree system.

On March 13, Gyeongnam Province held a launch ceremony at Insong Hall, formalizing a model for integrating national and public universities.

Roughly 150 people attended, including Governor Park Wan-soo; Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin; National Changwon University President Park Min-won; local members of the National Assembly; provincial assembly members; faculty; and students.

In his remarks, Governor Park stressed the significance of the merger. He congratulated National Changwon University on joining with the two provincial colleges to create a four-campus university and called the decision a bold step taken at a time that demanded change and innovation. He credited the result to the commitment and leadership of those involved.

He added that Gyeongnam is a key industrial hub for South Korea and that its competitiveness depends on talented people and on strong regional universities. He urged universities, businesses, and local governments to cooperate in cultivating talent and strengthening the foundations for shared growth.

Governor Park also pledged that Gyeongnam Province will provide administrative and financial support to help the integrated university stabilize and build future competitiveness. He expressed hope that the merger will serve as a model for joint regional and institutional development.

The program opened with a progress report on the integration, followed by signing the implementation agreement, a formal declaration launching the integrated university, a presentation of its vision, a ceremonial segment, and a commemorative tree planting. Gyeongnam Province signed an implementation agreement with the Education Ministry and National Changwon University to formalize support measures for the merged institution.

Under the agreement, Gyeongnam Province will provide operating funds and scholarships over five years, through 2030, to support the university’s stabilization. The Education Ministry will assist with efforts to specialize the university under the consolidation plan, and National Changwon University will execute the plan systematically through self-evaluation and related measures.

The integrated university unveiled its “DNA+ 2030 Vision,” aiming to become a global top-tier institution in DNA+ fields through AI-integrated education and R&D innovation. Here, DNA denotes Gyeongnam’s strategic industries: defense, nuclear power, and smart manufacturing.

To achieve this vision, the university will pursue seven strategic initiatives to strengthen teaching and research competitiveness. These include talent development and value-creating research innovation; regional-industry-academia and glocal innovation; robust support for student success and growth; and administrative and financial reform alongside AI-driven transformation (AX) for future specialization.

The effects of the merger are already visible. For the 2026 academic year, both the Geochang and Namhae campuses met their admission quotas, marking the ninth consecutive year each has achieved a 100% freshman enrollment rate. Officials attribute this outcome to strong expectations from the local community and applicants.

Looking ahead, the Integrated National Changwon University will pursue campus-specific specialization strategies: Changwon will focus on K-defense, nuclear power, and smart manufacturing, complemented by green energy and nanobiotechnology; Geochang will emphasize K-defense and smart manufacturing alongside healthcare and anti-aging; and Namhae will concentrate on K-defense and nuclear power with a focus on tourism convergence. The university aims to train the talent that will drive Gyeongnam’s future industries and to promote regional co-growth.