Gyeonguk, Suncheon national universities sign MOU to establish medical schools

Gyeonguk National University signed a mutual cooperation MOU with Suncheon National University on Thursday to establish medical schools and advance medical education, at a ceremony held in the main conference room of the university's central building in Andong.

The agreement came a day after the Ministry of Education confirmed Wednesday that both universities would be permitted to open new medical schools. The MOU aims to systematically prepare for the establishment of the schools, share each institution's capabilities and expertise, and contribute to improving the quality of medical education and training healthcare professionals for their respective regions.

Under the agreement, the two universities will share information and experience on the administrative procedures involved in setting up a medical school, exchange cases related to curriculum development, faculty recruitment and operations, share information on building educational facilities and clinical training systems, and jointly identify regulatory reform tasks and policy recommendations related to the establishment and operation of medical schools.

The universities plan to cooperate closely on common issues that arise during the establishment process and, where necessary, jointly submit regulatory reform proposals and policy recommendations to relevant authorities.

Suncheon National University President Lee Byeong-un said the university would work with local communities, regional governments and related ministries to ensure the conditions are in place for the new medical school — set to open in 2030 — to train outstanding medical professionals for the region.

Gyeonguk National University President Jeong Tae-ju said the MOU "will serve as a meaningful opportunity for both universities to share experience and expertise in medical education and grow together," adding that the university would actively work to foster substantive exchanges and cooperation across areas including curriculum development, faculty recruitment and quality management in medical education.