Seventeen Schools Including Iksan High School and Namseong High School
Participate in Education Development Special Zone Project
Iksan City in North Jeolla Province announced on May 8 that it will officially launch the "Iksan-style Dairo-um High School Capacity Building Project" in conjunction with the Education Development Special Zone initiative.
The core of this project is to support creative and practical educational programs tailored to the unique characteristics and educational needs of each school, with the goal of innovating public education.
This year, a total budget of 813.67 million won will be allocated in connection with the Education Development Special Zone initiative, and the city plans to actively support the enhancement of academic competitiveness as well as improvements in career and employment outcomes through this funding.
This project involves 17 local high schools, including Iksan High School, Namseong High School, Wonkwang High School, Iri High School, Iri Technical High School, Jeonbuk Science High School, and Wonkwang Health High School. Each school plans to move away from the traditional focus on supplementary classes and introduce student-centered educational models through programs that reflect their own identity and the characteristics of their students.
General high schools will focus on motivating students academically and strengthening their college admission capabilities, while specialized high schools will foster practical skills through in-depth major studies and career-linked education. Iri Technical High School is preparing for its transition to a Meister High School by introducing a new battery convergence department curriculum and industry-linked programs, while Iri High School is systematizing college preparation through career and college entrance camps and student record management counseling.
Wonkwang Health High School has introduced practical, employment-linked programs such as hospital field experiences and portfolio competitions, while Namseong High School is enhancing holistic learning capabilities through learning camps, humanities lectures, and university-linked programs during vacation periods.
A high school teacher commented, "Support for education is the most valuable investment for the future," and expressed gratitude to Iksan City for enabling schools to autonomously operate distinctive programs.
A city official stated, "We will continue to provide generous support so that each student can realize their potential," and added, "By strengthening the competitiveness of public education, we aim to reduce the burden on parents and create an environment where students can freely design their dreams and career paths."
Meanwhile, the city was selected as a first-phase pilot leading area for the Education Development Special Zone through a Ministry of Education competition in February 2024, and is sequentially implementing a total of 26 educational innovation projects with an investment of 22.9 billion won by 2026.
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