Talks begin on rational allocation of national and provincial funding across campuses

Changwon, Namhae and Geochang campuses each given specialized roles

The main administration building of Changwon National University [Changwon National University]
The main administration building of Changwon National University [Changwon National University]

South Gyeongsang Province has launched a concerted effort to coordinate budget allocation and campus specialization at Changwon National University, which was designated a glocal university, aiming to help the institution take root and foster cooperation among its integrated campuses.

The provincial government held a communication forum Tuesday at a meeting room in the annex of the provincial office, bringing together Changwon National University officials, vice presidents from the Geochang and Namhae campuses, and relevant civil servants to discuss a development plan for the university. Participants focused on reviewing the practical tasks that remain following the integration.

The central agenda was how to divide project funding among the Changwon, Geochang and Namhae campuses and Korea Elevator University, which has joined the consortium. The total project budget for the glocal university initiative in South Gyeongsang Province stands at 514.6 billion won ($372 million), comprising 340 billion won in national funds, 97.6 billion won in provincial funds and 77 billion won in municipal and county contributions. Officials from the province and the university held working-level consultations to establish a rational framework for distributing funds in line with each campus's conditions and roles, and to narrow remaining differences.

The campuses' specialization blueprints also took shape. The Changwon campus will focus on defense industries, nuclear energy and smart manufacturing research and development. The Namhae campus will serve as a hub for training hands-on workers in defense manufacturing, while the Geochang campus will cultivate specialists in smart manufacturing. Korea Elevator University, the consortium partner, will concentrate exclusively on elevator industry specialization.

Changwon National University drew national attention in March when it led the way in merging with Geochang Provincial College and Namhae Provincial College. In June, the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea recognized the university's achievements — including securing an LG Electronics research center and carrying out bold structural reforms — awarding it an S rating, the highest grade. It was the only institution among universities designated in 2024 to achieve that distinction, placing first in its evaluation group.

The province said it will continue to provide administrative and fiscal support to ensure the glocal university project translates into regional industrial growth and helps retain young residents in the area.

"We will actively support the integrated university in building a stable cooperative framework among its campuses and delivering innovative outcomes linked to the region's strategic industries," said Kim Seong-gyu, director of the South Gyeongsang Province education and youth bureau.


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