South Korean Universities Divided on Medical School, Hospital Plan

Mokpo National University has accepted a proposal to establish a medical school and hospital in the region, a key national project aimed at boosting medical infrastructure in South Jeolla Province. The university announced on November 13 that it would unconditionally accept the proposal from the South Jeolla Province Special Committee for Presidential Transition.

The mediation plan, presented by the committee, involves Mokpo University hosting the main university campus and the national medical school, while Suncheon University would host the hospital. The plan also includes provisions for establishing a hospital in Mokpo at a later stage. The deadline for both universities to respond to this proposal was set for November 13.

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Mokpo National University will do its utmost to establish a top-tier medical system for the residents of the eastern and western regions if Suncheon National University accepts the committee's proposal.

Mokpo University President Song Ha-cheol stated that if Suncheon University accepts the committee's proposal, Mokpo National University will dedicate its efforts to establishing a top-tier medical system for residents in both the eastern and western parts of the province. He added that they plan to closely communicate with local government heads, residents, and the medical community to expedite the establishment of a university hospital in Mokpo.

Suncheon University, which has reportedly been hesitant about the mediation plan, now faces increased pressure following Mokpo's affirmative response. Kim Moon-soo, a legislator representing Suncheon, previously expressed concerns on Facebook that Suncheon University's insistence on prioritizing the medical school over the hospital could hinder the integration of the two universities and the establishment of a university hospital. A representative from the South Jeolla Province Special Committee stated that Suncheon University's position is still being finalized and will be communicated to the committee after a university council meeting.

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Suncheon University's position has not yet been finalized.