Jeonnam Province Achieves Highest Number of Education Development Special Zones Nationwide

Goheung, Boseong, Wando, and Jindo Newly Added
Pilot Areas Expanded to 21 Cities and Counties

Scene of the working-level consultative body meeting among related organizations for designation as an education development special zone. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province announced that, following the addition of Goheung County, Boseong County, Wando County, and Jindo County to the Ministry of Education's "Education Development Special Zone Pilot Area" program, a total of 21 cities and counties in the province have now been designated as education development special zones?the highest number in the country.

The Education Development Special Zone is a regional education innovation pilot project promoted by the Ministry of Education. The project aims to create an environment where local talent can grow and settle in their own regions by improving the quality of public education tailored to regional characteristics.

The four newly selected regions had been in a preliminary designation status, following the 17 cities and counties selected through the first and second rounds of public recruitment in 2024. As a result, Jeonnam has now established itself as the metropolitan local government with the highest number of education development special zones nationwide, with 21 out of its 22 cities and counties designated.

Jeonnam Province secured a special grant from the Ministry of Education totaling 117 billion KRW over five years last year, and this year obtained an additional 18.2 billion KRW over four years, thereby establishing a stable foundation for the continued promotion of regional education innovation projects.

This achievement is the result of Jeonnam Province and the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education forming a working-level consultative body from January this year to jointly respond to the Ministry of Education's re-evaluation, planning the project, collaborating closely with Goheung, Boseong, Wando, and Jindo counties and their respective education support offices, and focusing administrative resources on discovering the "Jeonnam-style Education Development Model."

Jeonnam Province plans to maximize synergy by linking various projects that connect the future of youth and the region, such as operating a Youth Startup Academy, a University Student Venture Startup Expedition, a Venture and Local Startup Intern School, and establishing a Youth Startup Knowledge Industry Center, in order to create a virtuous cycle where education, employment and entrepreneurship, and local settlement are organically connected.

In the four newly designated education development special zones, customized education development models reflecting local characteristics will be actively promoted. Goheung County will focus on smart farms, drones, aerospace specialized industries, and revitalizing rural study-abroad programs; Boseong County will promote tea industry, healing, specialized education in the "Three Boseong Flavors," and fostering prestigious high schools; Wando County will focus on marine healing, customized support for K-marine bio, and nurturing glocal marine leaders; Jindo County will prioritize projects such as Bobaeseom culture, arts, and tourism, marine and ecological education, revitalizing small schools, and boosting the resident and living population.

Kang Jongcheol, Director of Talent Development and Education at Jeonnam Province, stated, "The record number of education development special zones designated nationwide demonstrates the strength of Jeonnam's educational innovation," adding, "Jeonnam will fulfill its responsibility as a leading local government in educational models nationwide and will make every effort to establish education innovation projects that combine local autonomy and educational autonomy."

He further emphasized, "We will continue to build an education-centered virtuous ecosystem so that our region becomes a place where children achieve their dreams, youth return, and everyone can stay together."