Hampyeong-gun Selected as Second Pilot Area for 'Education Development Special Zone'

Establishing a 'Hampyeong-type Local Talent' Development System to Promote Regional Development

Securing Up to 3 Billion Won in Grants Annually... Applying Special Education Regulation Exemptions

On the 30th, Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Lee Sang-ik) was finally selected as the second pilot area for the 'Education Development Special Zone' announced by the Ministry of Education and reviewed and approved by the Presidential Committee on Local Autonomy.

According to the Ministry of Education and Hampyeong-gun, with this special zone designation, the region will receive up to 3 billion KRW annually in special local education finance grants from the Ministry of Education for three years, along with priority application of customized educational regulatory exemptions.

Map of the 'Education Development Special Zone' in Jeonnam region.
[Photo by Jeonnam Office of Education]

Accordingly, the county plans to operate pilot projects through 11 detailed initiatives under the vision of 'Glocal Sports Education City Hampyeong,' including Hampyeong-style care and Neulbom, establishment of integrated and linked education systems between schools, glocal specialized education, and building a virtuous cycle system for regional settlement.

Governor Lee Sang-ik of Hampyeong-gun stated, "Through the operation of the Education Development Special Zone, we will nurture specialized local talents in Hampyeong equipped with future competitiveness."

Meanwhile, the Education Development Special Zone is a project where local governments, education offices, universities, and industries cooperate to foster local talent and establish a foundation for settlement. It is a representative education policy of the current government that establishes a system to integrally support educational innovation and regional development.

The second pilot area recruitment was conducted through document screening and face-to-face evaluation. A total of 68 local governments applied, and 41 were finally selected. In the Jeollanam-do region, a total of 10 cities and counties were selected, including Suncheon-si, Yeosu, Damyang, Gokseong, Gurye, Hwasun, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, Jangseong, and Haenam. Seven were selected in the first round, and 10 more were added in this second recruitment, totaling 17, the highest number nationwide.

Panoramic view of Hampyeong County Office. [Photo by Hampyeong County]