Chungbuk, Transportation Universities to Relaunch Merger Talks After Glocal Project Cancellation

Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation are reviving merger talks in an effort to overcome the crisis following the cancellation of their joint 'Glocal University 30' project. The two institutions, which had previously signed a merger agreement in February, are now aiming to complete their integration by March of the following year.

"There is no change in the merger agreement and principles," stated Cho Jeong-ho, Chungbuk University's planning director. "We are discussing the integration and plan to proceed with it." Kang Ju-hoon, director of brand strategy at Korea National University of Transportation, echoed this, saying, "We are consistently proceeding with discussions for opening the university as planned in March next year, in accordance with the merger agreement."

The universities' bid for the 'Glocal University 30' project, which aims to foster regional universities, was ultimately unsuccessful. They were designated in November 2023 but received the lowest possible grade (D) in consecutive performance evaluations, including a recent one in June. Their appeals were also denied, confirming the cancellation of their designation. The primary reason cited for the cancellation was the insufficient progress in their merger.

“

There is no change in the merger agreement and principles. We are discussing the integration and plan to proceed with it.

This setback means the universities risk losing significant government funding. They had already received 32.2 billion won (approximately $23 million USD) in support, including funds from the local government. Future funding, which could have amounted to billions of won annually, is now uncertain. Failure to merge could also force them to repay a substantial portion of the funds already received.

The Ministry of Education is providing a final opportunity for the universities, requiring them to submit a new merger application by the end of July, including evidence of consensus from their members and approval from their academic senates. A meeting scheduled for July 24 between the Ministry and university officials is expected to be a decisive moment for the future of the merger.

“

We are consistently proceeding with discussions for opening the university as planned in March next year, in accordance with the merger agreement.