Last year, approximately 80% of students who dropped out of medical schools nationwide were from universities in regional areas.
It is estimated that the vast majority of these students dropped out to re-enroll in medical schools in the greater Seoul metropolitan area.
According to an analysis of university disclosure data by Jongro Academy on September 6, a total of 383 students dropped out from 39 medical schools nationwide last year.
Dropping out refers to leaving school due to voluntary withdrawal, failure to register, or failure to return to classes.
The number of medical school dropouts increased significantly from 178 in 2022 to 201 in 2023 and 386 in 2024, remaining at a similar level with 383 last year.
Last year's dropout figure represents an increase of 205 students (115.2%) compared to 2022.
The sharp increase in dropouts in 2024 is analyzed to have been influenced by the expansion of medical school admissions for the 2025 academic year, which increased by about 1,500 from the previous 3,058.
Admissions for the 2026 academic year were reduced back to 3,058.
Dropouts were particularly concentrated in regional medical schools.
Out of the 383 dropouts last year, non-metropolitan medical students accounted for 301, or 78.6%.
Seoul accounted for 48 students (12.5%), and the Gyeonggi-Incheon area accounted for 34 students (8.9%).
By university, Kangwon National University had the highest number with 22.
This was followed by Wonkwang University with 18, Gyeongsang National University and Dankook University Cheonan Campus with 17 each, and Hanyang University with 16.
The universities with the fewest medical school dropouts nationwide were Seoul National University, Korea University, Ewha Womans University, and Konyang University, with only 2 each.
Jongro Academy pointed to "re-entry" into medical schools in the capital area as the background behind the surge in dropouts from regional medical schools.
Although the expansion of regional talent admissions has led to an increase in top-tier regional students entering local medical schools, it is highly likely that some of these students quit school to pursue admission to medical schools in the capital area again.
Lim Sung-ho, CEO of Jongro Academy, said, "With the introduction of the regional doctor system for the 2027 academic year, even more regional students are expected to enter medical schools," adding, "Given current trends, it is anticipated that movement among these students to top-tier medical schools will also increase."
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.