A national graduate school of medicine, established and operated by the government, will be established in Namwon, Jeonbuk. With eight years of regional efforts since the decision to establish the school in Namwon in 2018 finally bearing fruit, Jeonbuk State will now begin full-scale preparations for the successful establishment of the school and the development of its educational infrastructure, aiming to welcome its first students in 2030.

 

Jeonbuk State held a joint press briefing at the provincial government’s press conference room on the 1st, following the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s announcement confirming the establishment of a national graduate school of medicine in Namwon. At the briefing, Governor Lee Wontaek, along with Provincial Council Chair Kim Heesoo, Namwon Mayor Yang Chungmo, and Namwon City Council Chair Han Myungsook, explained the significance of the decision to establish the National Graduate School of Medicine in Namwon and outlined response strategy for the next steps.

 

The National Graduate School of Medicine will be a four-year graduate institution established and operated by the government as a special-purpose corporation, with an annual enrollment capacity of approximately 100 students. Students will receive financial support for admission fees, tuition, textbooks, and accommodation. Upon graduation, they will be required to serve for 15 years at public healthcare institutions or other designated facilities.

 

Jeonbuk State plans to work closely with Namwon City to swiftly complete preliminary procedures, including securing the remaining site and establishing urban planning measures, while responding to the government’s development of its master plan. It plans to work with local political leaders to secure the necessary national budget, including design costs for 2027, and provide administrative and institutional support at each stage as the establishment plan takes shape.

 

Governor Lee Wontaek said, “Despite numerous challenges, we have reached this point today thanks to the united efforts of provincial residents, Namwon citizens, local political leaders, and relevant institutions. We will focus our administrative efforts on ensuring the successful establishment and preparations for the opening of the National Medical Graduate School so that it can become a national educational institution dedicated to training medical professionals who will serve regional, essential, and public healthcare needs.”