“Jeonbuk National University (JBNU)'s innovative plans under the Glocal University 30 Project can serve as a leading model for achieving mutual development with the region. The Ministry of Education will cooperate with JBNU on various education support policies.”

Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, said that the innovation model of Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) (President Yang O-bong), which was selected for the Glocal University 30 Project and will receive KRW 100 billion in funding over five years, aligns in many respects with the policy direction currently pursued by the Ministry of Education. He stated that the Ministry will actively support the successful implementation of the Glocal University 30 Project.

The Deputy Prime Minister made these remarks on the morning of the 21st at a "Glocal University Roundtable" held in the main conference room of JBNU. The roundtable was organized by the Ministry to discuss current issues of the Glocal University 30 Project with the selected universities and has been held in various regions since last month.

At the meeting, Baek Ki-tae, Vice-President of the Office of Planning at JBNU, briefed attendees on JBNU's Glocal University innovation proposals. These included a university–industry–city triangle plan to integrate JBNU's regional campuses and industries by connecting Saemangeum, Jeonju–Wanju, Iksan, and Jeongeup; the establishment of the JBNU Regional Development Research Institute as a think tank to address basic local government issues; coexistence measures with regional universities; the revitalization of the closed Seonam University campus in Namwon; regionalization of admissions units to expand incoming students' major choices; and a plan to become a global hub university by attracting 5,000 international students.

The discussion continued with proposals and deliberations on various issues to ensure the successful advancement of the Glocal University 30 Project. Participants included Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju-ho; Woo Dong-gi, Chair of the Local Era Committee; Yang O-bong, President of JBNU; Kim Jong-hoon, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Jeollabuk-do; Seo Geoseok, Superintendent of Education of Jeollabuk-do; Woo Beom-gi, Mayor of Jeonju; Choi Kyung-sik, Mayor of Namwon; Shim Bo-gyun, Chair of the Jeonbuk Local Era Committee; and Baek Hyung-hee, President of the Korea Food Research Institute.

In the discussion of current issues, Jeollabuk-do, the Jeollabuk-do Office of Education, Jeonju City, and Namwon City reaffirmed their commitment to wide-ranging regional cooperation regarding the Glocal Project. In particular, Choi Kyung-sik, Mayor of Namwon, requested active support to ensure that next year’s site 확보 (land acquisition) and the transfer of management of the closed Seonam University campus to JBNU proceed smoothly.

In response, the Deputy Prime Minister said, “We expect that more than 30 closed schools will appear nationwide going forward. Our primary principle in resolving this issue is to prioritize regional development.” He added, “JBNU’s and Namwon City’s innovation plan to revitalize the closed Seonam University campus can become a leading model for regional development. Because it aligns well with the policy direction of the Ministry of Education, we will actively support it.”

He continued, “The Glocal University 30 Project and the promotion of education development zones aim to build a regional development ecosystem through cooperation among universities, education offices, and the wider region. The Ministry of Education will also make active efforts to ensure these projects proceed smoothly so they can become a model for regional mutual development.”

President Yang O-bong expressed his gratitude, saying, “I sincerely thank Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju-ho and Chair Woo Dong-gi for listening to voices from the field.” He added, “We will ensure the successful implementation of the Glocal University Project so that, in five years, JBNU will become a university sought first by top talent, a university that injects new vitality into regional industry, and a flagship university that attracts international students like a rising tide.”