National Changwon University Launches Ambitious DNA+ 2030 Vision: What This Means for Future Students

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National Changwon University has launched as a regional higher-education hub with four campuses in Changwon, Geochang, Namhae and Sacheon.

Gyeongnam Province and National Changwon University formally announced the merger of National Changwon University with Gyeongnam Provincial Geochang and Namhae Colleges at a launch ceremony on the 13th in Insong Hall at Changwon University.

About 150 people attended the ceremony to mark the new start, including Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan‑su, Education Minister Choi Kyo‑jin, National Changwon University President Park Min‑won, local members of the National Assembly, Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly members, faculty and students.

The program included a progress report on the merger, signing of an integration implementation agreement, a declaration launching the merged university, and a presentation of its vision.

On the same day, Gyeongnam Province signed an integration implementation agreement with the Ministry of Education and National Changwon University that formalizes support measures for the merged institution.

Under the agreement, Gyeongnam Province will provide operating funds and scholarships for five years through 2030 to help the merged university stabilize. The Ministry of Education will support efforts to specialize the university under the consolidation plan, and National Changwon University will implement the plan systematically through internal evaluations and other measures.

The merged 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. \”DNA\” refers to Gyeongnam’s strategic industries: Defense, Nuclear power, and Smart Manufacturing (Autonomous).

To achieve this, the university will pursue seven core strategies to strengthen education and research competitiveness: talent development and value‑creating research innovation; industry–academia–region and glocal innovation; student success and growth support; and administrative, financial and AI‑transition (AX) reforms for future specialization.

The merger is already producing tangible results. For the 2026 academic year, both the Geochang and Namhae campuses filled their admission quotas, marking the ninth consecutive year of 100% freshman enrollment — an outcome the province attributes to increased interest and expectations from local communities and applicants.

Gyeongnam expects the merged National Changwon University to drive regional growth and train talent for the province’s future industries through campus‑specific specialization: Changwon will focus on K‑defense, nuclear power and smart manufacturing plus green energy and nanobiotech; Geochang on K‑defense and smart manufacturing plus healthcare and anti‑aging; and Namhae on K‑defense, nuclear power and tourism convergence.

Governor Park described the merger as \”a bold, courageous decision made at a time when change and innovation were necessary,\” saying it lays the groundwork for universities, businesses and local governments to cooperate in developing talent and promoting shared growth. \”I hope this merger becomes a model of joint growth for the region and the university,\” he added.