The Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Kang Eunhee) announced on June 5 that Yeongnam Technical High School (Principal Song Wooyong), in consortium with the city office of education, Daegu City Hall, Suseong District Office, HD Hyundai Robotics, and other local public institutions and leading industrial companies, has been selected for the Ministry of Education's "Agreement-based Specialized High School Development Project" for the first time in Daegu.
An "agreement-based specialized high school" is an innovative educational model in which a school enters into agreements with local governments, offices of education, and regional companies to provide customized education tailored to local needs. This model was first introduced last year to create a virtuous cycle in which outstanding technical talent can grow and settle in the region. Including Yeongnam Technical High School, a total of 20 specialized high schools nationwide have been selected for this project so far.
Following this selection, starting in 2026, Yeongnam Technical High School will relaunch as an "agreement-based specialized high school" nurturing local talent in the field of "smart mobility," under the vision of "A virtuous cycle of sustainable development, Daegu where young people thrive," and with the goal of "cultivating future talent to lead Daegu’s smart mobility technology."
To support the transition to an agreement-based specialized high school over the next five years, Yeongnam Technical High School will receive approximately 9 billion KRW in funding from the Daegu Office of Education, the Ministry of Education, Daegu City, and Suseong District Office. In 2026, the school plans to admit new students into 12 classes across four core departments in the smart mobility field.
The four newly restructured departments are: M-Robotics (robot manufacturing and operation), M-Data SW (sensor control and software development), M-Electric Control (electrical system control), and M-Materials and Energy (advanced materials and energy manufacturing).
To enhance the quality of student education, the school will implement a nationwide open recruitment system for principals, appointing a principal with expertise in mobility education. All teachers will complete more than 7,000 hours of training. In addition, 16 support staff, including industry-academic adjunct teachers and career support coordinators, will be secured to ensure smooth operation of the new curriculum.
Currently, the faculty and staff of Yeongnam Technical High School are working closely with local industry-academic institutions to prepare for the school’s opening by organizing curricula, conducting teacher training, restructuring spaces and departments, and establishing advanced practice labs.
An official from the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education stated, "Daegu City has announced plans to focus on nurturing talent in the mobility sector as part of its 'Five Future Industries for Daegu' initiative. With leading local companies participating in curriculum development and education through agreements, students will have a broader range of career options."
Kang Eunhee, Superintendent of Daegu Office of Education, said, "The smart mobility industry is a field that will continue to grow in the future, and I find it very meaningful that Daegu’s first agreement-based specialized high school in smart mobility will be established. We will spare no effort to support students so they can grow into the driving force of our region’s future."
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