South Korea plans to increase medical school admissions by over 3,340 students from 2027 to 2031. The government announced this on Tuesday to address physician shortages in the aging country. The plan follows a doctors’ strike over a previous proposal for a larger increase. Health Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong said the annual cap will rise from 3,058 to 3,548 in 2027, reaching 3,871 by 2031. All additional students will be trained in regional programs to boost doctor numbers in rural areas. The decision aims to strengthen regional and public health care.
