Gwangju Selected as an 'Outstanding Area' in the Education Development Special Zone

Fostering AI and Digital Talent
Pursuing Official Designation of the Special Zone

Gwangju has been recognized for its potential as a 'future education city.' The Gwangju Education Development Special Zone has been selected as an outstanding region nationwide.

Gwangju Office of Education building.

The Gwangju Office of Education and Gwangju City announced on the 19th that the Gwangju Education Development Special Zone was selected as an outstanding region at the 'Education Development Special Zone Pilot Region Performance Report Meeting' to be held on the 20th.

Gwangju was designated as a pilot region for the Education Development Special Zone last year and will receive up to 11 billion KRW in special grants annually until 2026. In this evaluation, 17 local governments nationwide, including Gwangju, were selected as outstanding regions.

The Gwangju Education Development Special Zone is pursuing four major strategies with the goal of becoming a 'future education city where tomorrow shines through diverse competencies': ▲Innovation in public education ▲Fostering talent linked to local specialized industries ▲Nurturing AI and digital talent ▲Improving care and settlement conditions.

In particular, the innovation of vocational high school curricula linked to regional strategic industries such as AI and semiconductors, and the operation of the Gwangju-style Meister High School, received high evaluations. As a result, the employment rate for vocational high schools rose from 53.0% in 2023 to 55.9% in 2024, and the application rate increased to 127%. In addition, joint curricula operated by autonomous public high schools and local universities, the establishment of an AI Academy and an AI Gifted High School, have also drawn attention as Gwangju's unique talent development models.

Going forward, Gwangju City aims for the official designation of the Education Development Special Zone by strengthening governance in cooperation with 33 institutions, including local universities and public organizations, and further advancing its key projects.

Superintendent Lee Jeongseon said, "The Gwangju Education Development Special Zone has produced visible results just one year after its implementation," and added, "We will do our best so that our children can grow into talent and contribute to regional development." Mayor Kang Gijung stated, "We will complete Gwangju's unique talent development ladder."