Jungnang-gu High Schools Achieve 44% Admission Rate to Four-Year Universities in Seoul, Up from 24% Six Years Ago
Educational Expense Subsidy Reaches 14 Billion KRW and Infrastructure Expansion Efforts Show Results
Early Reading Habits Fostered Through "Reading 1,000 Books Before School" and Elementary School Projects
The admission rate to four-year universities in Seoul from high schools within Jungnang-gu has steadily increased over the past six years, reaching an all-time high of 44%.
The district has actively promoted educational support projects to nurture future talents based on the public nature of education, raising the admission rate to four-year universities in Seoul from 24% in 2018 to 44% this year. Additionally, the admission rate to 11 major universities has steadily increased from 8% to 10%, reflecting an improvement in academic achievement as well.
This achievement is the result of focused investment in education, such as expanding educational expenses and infrastructure, aiming to become the "Best Education City Jungnang." In particular, continuous efforts have been made to strengthen public education competitiveness through support for school education expenses.
The educational expense subsidy, which was 3.8 billion KRW in 2018, has been gradually increased each year to 14 billion KRW this year, approximately tripling compared to 2018, ranking third highest among Seoul's autonomous districts. Considering the district's financial independence and number of schools, it is the second largest budget invested in education among Seoul's autonomous districts.
Based on this, support is provided to 82 schools and kindergartens including elementary, middle, and high schools for after-school learning, basic academic skills enhancement programs, autonomous study room operation, and dinner expenses for low-income students, promoting academic growth through self-directed learning and dedicating efforts to closing the educational gap.
Furthermore, to ensure students can study in a comfortable environment, the district has actively promoted educational environment improvement projects such as the Dreamdam Library, makerspaces, and playground remodeling, providing 3.5 billion KRW to 27 schools over the past five years.
Moreover, the Bang Jeong-hwan Education Support Center, the largest in Seoul, opened in 2021 and has been used by 170,000 people over three years. The center operates systematic admission and career programs such as one-on-one career and university admission consulting and learning mentoring, collaborating closely with students, parents, and schools to run demand-centered programs, receiving great responses. This has significantly contributed to improving the academic abilities of Jungnang-gu students.
In addition, the district has opened and operates media centers (Myeonmok, Yangwon) and a Youth Culture and Arts Creation Center. It is also expanding various educational infrastructures by preparing to open the second Bang Jeong-hwan Education Support Center focused on science in November 2025 and constructing a district-run Astronomical Science Museum in the second half of 2026.
Through the "Reading 1,000 Books Before School" and "Reading 1,000 Books in Elementary School" projects, many children are supported to make reading a daily habit from an early age. Adults also enjoy various learning opportunities such as humanities, culture, and hobbies through lifelong learning centers and neighborhood learning spaces.
Ryu Gyeong-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said, "The future of Jungnang lies in education. No one should be left out, and everyone should be able to learn freely and pursue their dreams." He added, "Based on three educational goals?strengthening public education, expanding educational infrastructure, and lifelong education?we will create the best education city."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
