[Column] The Answer Education Offers for Gyeongnam, Where 77 People Disappear Every Day

An average of 77 people disappear from Gyeongsangnam-do every day. Over the past year, the population has decreased by approximately 28,000, and among the 18 cities and counties, only Yangsan has seen an increase in population. In particular, the exodus of people in their twenties to the Seoul metropolitan area shows no sign of stopping.

This is a reality I have witnessed firsthand in the field of education. Every time I see my students leave for Seoul or the greater metropolitan area after graduating from middle and high school to attend university, I am convinced that a fundamental change in education policy is necessary. If things continue as they are, Gyeongnam could truly become a "region at risk of extinction."

However, when I look again at Gyeongnam's potential, I see answers. Gyeongnam remains the heart of South Korea's manufacturing industry. From the machinery industry in Changwon, to shipbuilding in Geoje, aerospace in Sacheon, and advanced manufacturing in Gimhae, the province holds a crucial position in the national manufacturing sector. The problem is that this industrial infrastructure is not properly connected to education.

Currently, many outstanding students prioritize admission to prestigious universities in the Seoul metropolitan area above all else. Most students graduate without ever discovering the appeal of mechanical engineering while living in Changwon, or realizing the potential of naval architecture and ocean engineering while living in Geoje. This is a fundamental failure of education policy.

Germany is a successful example, where "hidden champion" companies in small local cities and regional universities are tightly linked through industry-academia-research networks. Gyeongnam is fully capable of achieving this as well. If Gyeongsang National University in Jinju, Changwon National University and Kyungnam University in Changwon, Geoje College in Geoje, and Inje University in Gimhae are connected to local industries, a "Gyeongnam-style educational ecosystem" can be created.

As a first step, we should seek practical changes at the high school level. First, we need to expand the "Gyeongnam Meister High School" model. Although these schools currently boast high employment rates and strong results, there is a need to improve public perception. We must actively promote the fact that Meister High School graduates secure stable jobs by being hired by major local corporations and public enterprises.

In addition, it is necessary to greatly expand "industry-academia-research linked specialized programs." This would involve operating curricula directly connected to companies such as Doosan Enerbility in Changwon, Hanwha Ocean in Geoje, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon. If current engineers from these companies teach classes themselves and students gain internship experience at actual production sites, students will have ample reason to stay in Gyeongnam and pursue their dreams.

At the same time, we must work to revitalize rural schools using digital technology and promote wide-area educational cooperation among Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam. By forming a belt that connects Busan's marine industry, Ulsan's chemical and energy industries, and Gyeongnam's machinery, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries, it is possible to build an educational infrastructure that rivals that of the Seoul metropolitan area.

After 38 years of teaching, I am certain of one thing: if you show children a dream, they will run toward it. Until now, we have only shown them the dream of "going to Seoul." Now is the time to show them the dream of "achieving success in Gyeongnam." For example, becoming a world-class robotics engineer in Changwon, designing eco-friendly ships in Geoje, or developing aerospace technology in Sacheon.

Gyeongnam has everything. The only thing lacking is a single educational ecosystem to tie it all together. The key to overcoming the crisis of regional extinction lies in education. The moment we turn that key, Gyeongnam will become the "capital of the future" leading South Korea.

Kim Seungo (Former Superintendent, Haman Office of Education)