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Changwon National University opens doors as merged institution

Published: 13 Mar. 2026, 20:11

LEE TAE-HEE
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Changwon National University representatives take a photo during the university's launching ceremony as a merged institution, formerly comprising the University of Gyeongnam Geochang and the University of Gyeongnam Namhae, on March 13. [CHANGWON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]

Changwon National University held a launch ceremony on Friday to celebrate its merger with two junior colleges.

Changwon National University merged with the University of Gyeongnam Geochang and the University of Gyeongnam Namhae. The merged institution, which kept the national university's name, opened its doors in the spring 2026 semester.

The University of Gyeongnam Geochang and the University of Gyeongnam Namhae offered associate's degrees, and the merged institution will offer both those associate degrees and Changwon National University's bachelor's degrees.

During the ceremony, the merged institution announced its goal to become a university that helps foster talent the local industry needs.

"We will utilize our resources to create a [...] partnership in which educational, research and industrial fields can come together, enabling local industries, companies and research institutions to function as a single innovative ecosystem," said Park Min-won, the president of Changwon National University. "Through this [partnership], we will support South Gyeongsang's sustainable growth and make our university one that supports Korea's strategic industries."

Ahead of the ceremony, President Park and Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin visited LG Electronics' Smart Park factory in Changwon, South Gyeongsang, and discussed industry-academia partnerships.

Changwon National University also plans to open a heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, research center on campus in partnership with LG Electronics by 2027.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [[email protected]]