The education ministry has confirmed the medical school admission quota at 3,548 for the 2027 academic year, an increase of 490 from 2024. This decision comes amid past conflicts over quota hikes. The government plans to gradually raise it by an average of 668 annually through 2031.
The education ministry announced on Friday, March 13, that the medical school admission quota for the 2027 academic year will be 3,548, marking an increase of 490 from the 2024 level.
This comes after significant tensions between the government and the medical community from 2024 to 2025. The previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration had sharply increased the quota by 2,000 to 5,058 for 2025, but it was later adjusted to 4,567 for that year and reverted to 3,058 for 2026.
Last month, the government outlined a plan to gradually boost the quota by an annual average of 668 through 2031.
Universities seeing the largest increases are Kangwon National University in Chuncheon, northeastern South Korea, and Chungbuk National University in Cheongju, central South Korea, each gaining 39 spots. The smallest net increase goes to CHA University in Pocheon, northeast of Seoul, with just 2 additional students. All 40 medical schools nationwide have been notified of the new quotas.
The move reflects ongoing efforts to address shortages in medical personnel.
