Competition Rates for Early Admission at Gwangju and South Jeolla Universities Rise Compared to Last Year

Chonnam National University Records 6.3 to 1, Chosun University 4.9 to 1 on Average
Gwangju University Hits Highest Rate in 7 Years... Dongshin University Also Sees Increase in Applicants

As the early admission process for major universities in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province for the 2026 academic year has concluded, the competition rates at local universities, including Chonnam National University and Chosun University, have either remained at last year's level or risen slightly.

On the 8th, when the application process for the 2026 university admission early decision began, third-year students at Hyowon High School in Yeongtong District, Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province, were reviewing the admission guidelines. Photo by Yonhap News

Chonnam National University received 25,055 applications for 3,977 spots, resulting in an average competition rate of 6.30 to 1 (6.55 to 1 for general quota). This is similar to last year's rate of 6.31 to 1. For the General Student Record Screening, the rate was 6.68 to 1, with the Department of Home Economics Education recording the highest rate at 19.67 to 1. For the Regional Talent Student Record Screening, the rate was 6.42 to 1, and the Department of Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology saw a rate of 22.50 to 1. In the School of Medicine, the Regional Talent Student Record Screening recorded 5.46 to 1, while the Comprehensive Student Record Screening (Outstanding High School Students I) reached 16.10 to 1.

Chosun University received 22,830 applications for 4,629 spots, resulting in an average competition rate of 4.93 to 1 (5.10 to 1 for general quota). This is a 0.26 percentage point increase from last year's 4.67 to 1, with the number of applicants rising by 1,471. By admission type, the General Student Record Screening was 5.09 to 1, Regional Talent 5.24 to 1, Comprehensive Student Record Interview 9.83 to 1, and Document Screening 4.50 to 1. For the Pre-Medical Course, the General Screening recorded 13.71 to 1, and Regional Talent 6.82 to 1. The Pre-Dentistry and Pharmacy departments also recorded competition rates ranging from 7 to 14 to 1.

Honam University received 7,386 applications for 1,574 spots, resulting in an average competition rate of 4.7 to 1. Health-related departments were particularly competitive, with the Department of Physical Therapy at 11.5 to 1, Dental Hygiene at 7.13 to 1, and Nursing at 6.75 to 1. Gwangju University received 7,246 applications for 1,348 spots, recording an average competition rate of 5.34 to 1, the highest in the past seven years. The Department of Emergency Medical Technology recorded 12.18 to 1, Nursing 8.49 to 1, and Hotel Culinary and Baking 8.13 to 1.

Dongshin University received 5,903 applications for 1,420 spots, resulting in an average competition rate of 4.2 to 1, up from last year's 3.53 to 1. For the Pre-Oriental Medicine Course, the General Screening recorded 27.63 to 1, while the Regional Talent Screening ranged from 9 to 15 to 1.

Each university plans to announce successful candidates for each admission type between November and December.