Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) has rebuilt its system for training architects and will once again serve as a hub for producing professional architectural talent.

JBNU recently finalized a proposal to adjust department enrollment quotas and announced plans to modify the current Department of Architectural Engineering's quota to resume operation of a five-year 'Architecture' program. Accordingly, it intends to move away from the current system centered on the Department of Architectural Engineering (4-year) and transition to a Department of Architecture structure, expanding operations to offer majors in Architectural Engineering (4-year) and Architecture (5-year).

In the past, JBNU's architecture-related departments were operated as the Department of Architectural Engineering (4-year) and the Department of Architecture (5-year), but the Department of Architecture was merged into the Department of Architectural Engineering in 2010, resulting in the abolition of the five-year program. Since then, JBNU lacked an academic curriculum that would satisfy the eligibility requirements to sit the architect licensing examination.

Under the current system, candidates must meet certain requirements—such as graduating from a five-year Department of Architecture—to be eligible to take the architect licensing examination. Because JBNU did not offer that program, students found it difficult to obtain the qualifications for licensure while enrolled. This has been criticized for weakening the educational foundation linked to the cultivation of regional architectural professionals.

According to the enrollment quota adjustment plan, the current 50-place quota for the Department of Architectural Engineering will be divided into 35 places for the Architectural Engineering major and 15 places for the Architecture major, to be implemented from next year. This is expected to greatly expand career choices for students majoring in architecture. JBNU plans to complete academic administration preparations and officially launch the five-year Architecture program beginning in the 2027 academic year.

Yang Oh-bong, President, said, 'This quota adjustment is intended to establish a foundation so that students can stably develop professional competencies on campus in response to changes in the architect qualification system and curriculum,' adding, 'We will redouble our efforts to train practice-oriented architectural professionals needed by the local community.'