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Topic : Declining enrollments force Korean universities to fight for survival
2025È£ 2¸é
 
TITLE : Declining enrollments force Korean universities to fight for survival

 Declining enrollments force Korean universities to fight for survival



Declining enrollments force Korean ...

 

 

Korean universities are increasingly pursuing mergers and introducing vocational programs to address the growing crisis of the country’s low birthrate and declining enrollment, two key issues that are putting additional financial pressure on these educational institutions.

 

Experts agree that these changes are inevitable, but concerns are rising that the restructuring could undermine diversity and competitiveness in higher education. They caution that shifting the focus to universities as job training centers might limit the range of academic disciplines and weaken the overall educational environment.

According to the Korean Council for University Education, the number of university entrants is projected to fall from 440,000 in 2023 to just 260,000 by 2040. Since 2021, the number of university applicants has been falling short of university admissions quotas.

 

In addition to shrinking student numbers, universities outside the capital are finding it difficult to attract students due to the dominance of higher education institutions in the Seoul Metropolitan Area.

 

As a survival strategy, many institutions are opting to merge.

 

Mokpo National University and Sunchon National University, both located in South Jeolla Province, submitted merger applications to the Ministry of Education last month. Through the merger, the universities aim to establish a medical school and an affiliated hospital — an ambition long pursued by the province located in southwestern Korea.

 

Kangwon National University and Gangneung–Wonju National University, located in northeastern Korea's mountainous Gangwon Province, are currently in negotiations to merge by 2026. The combined institution aims to strengthen its role as a key educational force in the region by focusing on specialized academic disciplines across its campuses.

 

Chungbuk National University and the Korea National University of Transportation, located in North Chungcheong Province in central Korea, are also planning to merge by March 2027.

 

In South Chungcheong Province, Chungnam National University and Kongju National University signed a memorandum of understanding last month and are speeding up discussions on a potential merger.

 

The pushes for university mergers and specialization have gained momentum, particularly after the government introduced financial support for selected "glocal" universities.

 

The term "glocal," a blend of "global" and "local," highlights the importance of preserving regional identity while adapting to the wider process of globalization.

 

Starting in 2023, the Ministry of Education launched a policy allocating 100 billion won ($69.62 million) over five years to 30 selected universities outside of Seoul, with the goal of strengthening both the schools and their surrounding communities. This initiative represents the largest single-university subsidy in the ministry’s financial support programs.

 

Universities selected for the program designate specialized fields of study and partner with leading companies in their respective geographic areas to boost the region's economic vitality.

 

 

Source : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2025/01/113_391084.html

 

Comprehension

Why are Korean universities merging and introducing vocational programs?
What concerns do experts have about these changes?
How is the declining birthrate affecting university enrollment?
What is one challenge universities outside Seoul are facing?
Name two universities in South Jeolla Province that are planning to merge.
What is the purpose of the merger between Kangwon National University and Gangneung–Wonju National University?
When is the planned merger between Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation expected to happen?
What does the term "glocal" mean in the context of university education?
What financial support is the Korean government providing for regional universities?
How are "glocal" universities expected to benefit their surrounding communities?

Discussion

Do you think merging universities is a good solution to declining enrollment? Why or why not?
How do you think the focus on vocational training might impact the future of higher education in Korea?
Should universities prioritize job training over traditional academic disciplines? Why or why not?
How can universities outside of major cities attract more students?
What challenges might arise when two universities merge?
How do you think globalization affects university education?
Should governments provide financial support to struggling universities? Why or why not?
What fields of study do you think will become more important in the future?
What can universities do to maintain diversity while focusing on vocational training?
How does the situation in Korean universities compare to higher education in your country?

Vocabulary

Vocational – Related to job training or technical education.
Restructuring – Changing the way something is organized, often to improve efficiency.
Undermine – To weaken or reduce the effectiveness of something.
Quota – A set number or limit.
Affiliated – Connected or officially linked to an organization.
Memorandum of understanding (MOU) – A formal agreement between two parties.
Momentum – The force or speed of progress.
Subsidy – Financial support given by the government or an organization.
Vitality – Energy, strength, or ability to grow.
Globalization – The process of businesses, cultures, and ideas spreading around the world.