Overview of National Kyunguk University
National Kyunguk University is a national university in South Korea that will be newly established on March 1, 2025, through the merger of National Andong University and Gyeongbuk Provincial University. The name of the university signifies 'Gyeongsangbuk-do National University' and fulfills its role as a regional flagship national university.
Through the merger, this university aims to lead innovations in education and research, contributing to regional development and balanced national development. Based on this vision, it provides an excellent educational environment for students and lays the foundation for growth alongside the local community.
National Kyunguk University operates across two campuses. Andong Campus focuses on specialized education in the humanities, information and communications technology (ICT), and the bio and vaccine industries. In contrast, Yecheon Campus aims to cultivate talents for the public sector. In this way, the two campuses are promoting strategies to strengthen specialized education in collaboration with the local community.
Establishment Process and Promotion History of National Kyunguk University
The establishment process of National Kyunguk University began as an effort to overcome the decline in school-age population and the crisis of local universities. In particular, it has garnered much attention as a case of the merger between national and public universities.
On May 30, 2023, National Andong University and Gyeongbuk Provincial University conducted the first agreement for the merger. Subsequently, in October 2023, the two universities submitted an application for the 'Glocal University 30 Project' based on the premise of merger, and in November, they were designated as the project.
In June 2024, the final approval for the merger of the two universities was granted through the review by the Ministry of Education’s consolidation review committee. On February 18, 2025, the amendment bill for the ‘Establishment Order of National Schools’ and ‘Regulations on the Establishment and Operation of Universities’ was reviewed and approved in the Cabinet meeting, confirming the university's launch.
Finally, on March 1, 2025, National Kyunguk University is officially launched. This series of processes will serve as an important cornerstone for strengthening the competitiveness of local universities.
National Kyunguk University is a national university born through thorough examination and procedures in cooperation with the government and local governments. It is now fully prepared to fulfill its role as a regional flagship higher education institution.
Admission Competition Rates and Academic Operations
In the 2025 academic year, a total of 1,607 students were recruited through regular admissions at Kyunguk University, with 4,395 applicants resulting in a competition ratio of 2.73:1. This is a decline compared to last year's ratio of 3.27:1. While the number of recruits has increased since the merger with Gyeongbuk Provincial University, the effects of the merger, selection as a Glocal University, and changes in the university name have not yet become evident.
The regular admission process was held from December 31, 2024, to January 3, 2025, with the announcement of successful candidates scheduled for February 6, 2025. However, the specific competition ratio and scores of successful candidates for the regular admissions have not yet been disclosed, raising curiosity.
Unfortunately, the possibility of improving compared to the 2024 admission results appears low. Under these circumstances, examinees may need to brace themselves for increasingly fierce competition.
National Kyunguk University implements a student-centered flexible academic operation system. In particular, it removes the limitations and restrictions on changing majors, allowing students to freely choose their desired major. Furthermore, it strengthens collaboration with local public institutions and businesses to enhance the employment competitiveness of students.
Tuition Fees and Dormitory Facilities
The average annual tuition fee for 2024 at National Kyunguk University (Andong University) is 3,750,000 won. The tuition varies slightly by major, and specifically, the breakdown is as follows:
The humanities and social sciences are approximately 3,604,640 won, the natural sciences around 4,148,840 won, and the engineering field approximately 4,330,040 won.
The tuition fee for the 2025 academic year is expected to remain relatively stable. In particular, students residing in Gyeongsangbuk-do will receive tuition waivers for one year, providing even more favorable conditions.
Both Andong Campus and Yecheon Campus operate dormitories equipped with modern facilities. These dormitories provide a comfortable living environment, and the dormitory fees vary based on the type of room and facilities. More detailed information can be checked on the official school website.
Library and Research Facilities
The library of National Kyunguk University is equipped with a variety of the latest books, academic journals, and electronic materials. It also operates reading rooms and study rooms to facilitate convenient learning for students.
Additionally, to support research activities, it provides specialized research and laboratory facilities, helping students to continuously engage in academic inquiries.
Location and Transportation
National Kyunguk University is divided into two campuses: Andong Campus and Yecheon Campus.
Andong Campus is located at 1375 Gyeongdong-ro, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, while Yecheon Campus is situated at 114 Duryang University Road, Yecheon-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
There are several ways to get to Andong Campus of National Kyungbuk University from Andong Station.
First, you can take a city bus. Take bus number 11 or 11-1 and get off at 'Andong University Station.' This takes about 30 minutes.
Second, you can use a taxi, which takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around 10,000 won.
Lastly, you can walk, but it is about 5km and takes around an hour, so it is not recommended.
If you wish to go to Yecheon Campus, you can take a city bus or taxi from Yecheon Intercity Bus Terminal.
Future Prospects of National Kyunguk University
National Kyunguk University is the first case of a national and public university merger in Korea, born from the merger of National Andong University and Gyeongbuk Provincial University. This will play an important role in overcoming the decline in school-age population and the crisis of local universities.
The university is expected to establish itself as a regional flagship national university through close cooperation with the local community. In particular, it is in discussions with the government and political circles with the goal of establishing a medical school. If this is realized, it is expected to greatly contribute to improving the healthcare infrastructure in the inland region of Gyeongbuk and enhancing access to medical services in the region.
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