Busan, South Korea – The City of Busan has officially launched the National Dental Research Institute Promotion Committee, a coalition aimed at positioning Busan as the site for South Korea’s first dedicated dental research institute. The committee, composed of government officials, industry leaders, and academic experts, represents a concerted effort to elevate South Korea’s status in the global dental industry and secure Busan as the institute’s home base.
The establishment of a National Dental Research Institute has been a longstanding ambition for Busan and the Korean Dental Association, which have consistently lobbied for governmental support to advance South Korea’s dental care and technology sectors. The committee’s formation signals a significant push forward, aligning stakeholders at the municipal and industry levels to demonstrate Busan’s readiness to host this critical national institution.
However, Busan is not the only city in the running. Other contenders, including Cheonan, Daegu, and Gwangju, have actively initiated their own campaigns, each emphasizing unique strengths to make their case. As the competition heats up, Busan’s distinct advantages in terms of global accessibility, industry infrastructure, and healthcare clustering are setting it apart.
The proposed institute is expected to inject substantial economic activity into the region, creating jobs, drawing investment, and catalyzing advancements in dental technology. As the nation’s first center solely dedicated to dental research, it would serve as a focal point for new treatments, technologies, and protocols, aimed at enhancing public dental health across South Korea and beyond.
In the nationwide race to host the National Dental Research Institute, several cities are putting forward strong cases, each emphasizing unique advantages that underscore their commitment. Cheonan, located near the KTX Cheonan-Asan station, has demonstrated significant dedication by securing land specifically for the institute and strengthening its local dental industry infrastructure, with large-scale projects such as the upcoming Osstem Implant manufacturing plant. While Cheonan’s central location within South Korea enhances its national accessibility, Busan’s international connectivity sets it apart. With both Gimhae International Airport and the soon-to-open Gadeokdo New Airport, Busan offers unparalleled access for global researchers and industry leaders, making it a highly attractive destination for international collaborations.
Daegu stands out for its well-established dental equipment industry, contributing 20% of Korea’s total dental equipment exports. The city has developed a robust bio-cluster through its K-MEDI hub, aiming to strengthen its position as a national hub for dental technology manufacturing. However, Busan’s strategic placement near the Eco Delta City Smart Healthcare Cluster equips it to support a broader range of dental health initiatives, from research to hands-on healthcare applications. This integration extends beyond manufacturing, establishing Busan as a comprehensive ecosystem for dental health innovation that seamlessly connects research with clinical practice.
Gwangju offers a strong academic base in dental studies, hosting both Chonnam National University and Chosun University, and ranks highest among non-capital regions in R&D investment within the dental and medical fields. Busan, however, combines similar academic strengths through partnerships with institutions such as Pusan National University’s College of Dentistry with a broader, more diversified research and healthcare network. Its healthcare infrastructure, enhanced by a strategic coastal location, positions Busan as an appealing center for both national and global dental research, strengthening its bid to become South Korea’s premier dental research hub.
Busan has designated the Myeongji area as the proposed location for the institute, citing its ideal infrastructure and strategic accessibility. Located near Gimhae International Airport and the soon-to-be-opened Gadeokdo New Airport(targeted for 2029), Myeongji offers prime logistics capabilities for both domestic and international collaboration. Additionally, its proximity to the Eco Delta City Smart Healthcare Cluster strengthens its potential as a center for cutting-edge research and cross-disciplinary partnerships in healthcare.
With its comprehensive transportation network, Busan is well-positioned to support an influx of both national and international researchers. The combination of its strong healthcare cluster and world-class logistics network places Busan a step ahead in the race for hosting the institute.
The committee plans to mobilize public support through community outreach and informational campaigns, fostering a strong base of civic backing within Busan. Key stakeholders, including local residents and leaders, will be engaged through forums and discussions that promote the vision and impact of the proposed institute.
Leading voices in the healthcare sector, including the Korean Dental Association, have endorsed the initiative, emphasizing the alignment between Busan’s infrastructure and South Korea’s ambitions in dental health and research. Professional endorsements underscore the industry’s readiness to support the establishment of a dedicated dental research center in Busan.
South Korea’s dental industry is currently ranked among the top four globally, and the establishment of a national research institute would further elevate its international standing. The institute would serve as a vital hub for dental research and innovation, positioning South Korea as a leader in dental health and expanding opportunities for international collaboration.
Busan’s strategic location, coupled with its advanced healthcare clusters, would enable the institute to form global partnerships, fostering knowledge exchange with international institutions and enhancing South Korea’s influence in global dental health.
The Promotion Committee has outlined a series of public events, expert panels, and hearings to secure further support. Future forums and discussions will invite stakeholders to explore the institute’s benefits, building momentum behind Busan’s bid and reinforcing the city’s case for becoming the national center for dental research.
“We envision Busan as a global hub for dental health innovation,” said Lee Jun-seung, Deputy Mayor of Busan. “With the establishment of the National Dental Research Institute, we aim to enhance South Korea’s competitiveness on the world stage and provide advanced dental solutions that meet both domestic and international needs.”
With the establishment of the National Dental Research Institute Promotion Committee, Busan is accelerating its efforts to host South Korea’s first dental research institute. Combining strategic location, economic promise, and industry support, Busan is poised to lead South Korea’s charge in dental health innovation, setting new standards in research and global influence.
