Jangseong, South Korea – The Korea National Institute of Health (KNIH) announced on February 26th that it has launched a design competition for the establishment of the National Cardiovascular Research Institute. The institute, with a total project cost of 76.9 billion won (approximately 60 million USD), is scheduled to be completed by 2029 in the Gwangju Research and Development Special Zone in Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do province.

The institute will be responsible for conducting and supporting national cardiovascular disease research and development (R&D), securing clinical information and resources for R&D tailored to Koreans, and developing cutting-edge technologies for the public interest.

"The design competition is an important first step in the construction of the institute," said Park Hyun-young, head of the KNIH. "We will strive to successfully establish the National Cardiovascular Research Institute, which will lead cardiovascular disease research in Korea."

The institute will be built on a 13,837㎡ site in the Advanced 3 District of the Gwangju R&D Special Zone. The design competition will focus on ensuring the completeness and adequacy of special experimental facilities, such as large animal experiment facilities for clinical trials, and developing a circulation plan to improve research efficiency and safety. The competition will also focus on creating an open research facility to enhance utilization and implementing a state-of-the-art research facility.

The design cost is set at approximately 1.734 billion won (approximately 1.3 million USD). A public contest briefing session will be held on March 4th in Cheongju.

The establishment of the National Cardiovascular Research Institute is expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of cardiovascular disease research in Korea and improve public health.