The increasing number of local universities ceasing operations or promoting integration significantly impacts Korean society. Over the last decade,10 local universities, including Hanlyo University, Hanzhong University, and Seonam University, have closed down. According to the Ministry of Education’s report Projected Number of Elementary, Middle, and High School Students from 2023 to 2029, the number of high school seniors last year decreased by 7.6%, marking an all-time low. Additionally, the college admissions industry predicted a shortfall of over 40,000 College Scholastic Ability Test examinees compared to the number of admission spots. The Korea Economic Research Institute reported that half of the local universities might stop operating if this trend continues.

The Reasons for Ceasing of Universities

The decline of local universities can primarily be attributed to the declining birth rate. According to the Population Trends Survey by Statistics Korea, South Korea’s total fertility rate started to decline in the 1970s and reached an all-time low of 0.72 last year, drastically reducing the inflow of university students. The Population Association of Korea attributes the low birth rate to financial burdens, shifting values, and insufficient childcare infrastructure. Furthermore, as those factors delay younger generations’ marriage and childbirth, maintaining population levels has become increasingly difficult. 

Another reason for the closures is a significant shift in societal perceptions. Today, Korea’s youth face an unprecedented unemployment crisis, largely attributed to an economic recession and slower social progress, as reported by the Korean Economic Association. As a result, debates questioning the necessity of universities are emerging. Critics argue that a university degree is no longer helpful for job applicants and pursuing skilled trades may be a better option in the current social climate. According to a survey by Munhwa Ilbo, 59.4% of respondents in their 20s and 30s stated that graduating from university is unnecessary, while 81.2% believed that education no longer guarantees social mobility. 

However, Professor Kim Sung-il from the Humanitas College at Kyung Hee University offered a different perspective. He suggested that debates on the necessity of universities are a minor backlash against Korea’s entrenched academic pedigree. He noted that while alternative lifestyles may gain positive recognition, Korean society still lacks acceptance of diversity in lifestyles to support such trends. 

The Impacts on Current Students and Local Communities

The widespread closure of local universities is creating serious challenges for students and communities. Enrolled students often lose educational opportunities and face difficulties in continuing their studies. Although many transfer to other universities, transferring credits or choosing popular majors is challenging, often causing delays and forcing students into unexpected majors. 

Local communities are also severely affected. Research by the Korean Association of Professional Geographers revealed that the annual income of residents around Seonam University decreased by about 26 billion to 34.4 billion won following its closure. This highlights the economic dependency of local markets on universities. Additionally, local populations shrink significantly. A study by the Kangwon National University Education Research Institute showed that the local population around Hanlyo University decreased by approximately 24% after its closure, with average declines ranging from 15% to 30%, raising the risk of local extinction.

Prof. Kim agreed with these concerns, emphasizing that local universities serve as more than educational institutions-they are the heart of their communities. He also pointed out that the aging population worsens the problem. Without a younger generation to sustain vitality and foster innovation, local progress slows significantly.

The Solutions

Various solutions have been proposed to address this crisis, with increasing calls for collaboration between the government and local communities. Government aid is crucial to preventing the extinction of universities. Expanding scholarships and research support programs can reduce financial burdens on students, improve learning environments, and enhance competitiveness. 

Local universities can also adopt specialized programs aligned with their communities, such as creating new majors or research programs focused on local industries. For instance, universities in agricultural regions can offer enhanced agricultural courses to cultivate talent tailored to local needs. These efforts can lead to projects that directly contribute to local development.

Recruiting foreign students is another effective strategy to mitigate the decline of local universities. Establishing systems to attract international students and offering multilingual courses can encourage global exchange and promote multicultural growth within both the university and the local community.

Prof. Kim added that the lack of freshmen creates a negative cycle for local universities, resulting in low evaluation scores and deterring future enrollments. He stressed the importance of raising national awareness and providing substantial support for these institutions.

The closure of local universities, driven by low birth rates, economic challenges, and question over the necessity of higher education, presents a significant crisis for Korean society. To mitigate this issue, practical solutions such as government financial assistance, university specialization, and the recruitment of international students are essential.

Prof. Kim argued that while some closures of under-performing universities may be inevitable, preserving local diversity is necessary. To achieve this, society must establish an environment that gives the younger generation confidence in their future and fosters the sustainability of local universities.