Expansion of KSL and Bilingual Education
Through an Integrated Language Education System
The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education has begun full-scale operation of the "Glocal Education Center" to strengthen students' multilingual capabilities, initiating a paradigm shift in language education.
On June 2, the provincial office announced that it has been operating the Glocal Education Center in full from this year, expanding and reorganizing the existing English-focused Foreign Language Experience Centers. This center has established an integrated language education system that covers not only English, but also Korean as a Second Language (KSL) and bilingual education.
Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education held a "Working Group Meeting for Strengthening the Operation of the Glocal Education Center." Photo by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education
Based at 19 centers across the province, the office operates customized programs tailored to local conditions. Major programs include level-based English education, intensive Korean language programs for students from immigrant backgrounds, and bilingual education for general students. These programs are offered after school, on weekends, and during school holidays at various times.
In particular, the provincial office plans to establish a constant network to enable each local education support office to cooperate organically with local governments and family centers. It also aims to secure a pool of instructors, develop programs, and provide budgetary support to build an operational foundation suited to the characteristics of each region.
In this regard, on May 30, a "Working Group Meeting for Strengthening the Operation of the Glocal Education Center" was held in the medium-sized conference room at the provincial office building. About 20 staff members from centers across the province attended the meeting, continuing field-oriented discussions.
During the meeting, participants shared the vision for center operations and best practices. They also focused on practical operational issues such as resolving program overlap, providing transportation support (such as Edu Taxi) to enhance accessibility, and establishing standards for assigning dedicated teachers and instructors.
Kim Jongman, Director of Glocal Education Cooperation, said, "We will ensure that the Glocal Education Center becomes a platform for region-based global citizenship education, going beyond simple foreign language education," and added, "We will actively provide policy and administrative support to ensure sustainable operation by reflecting voices from the field."
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