Mayor Jo Yongik of Bucheon Calls for 50% Regional Quota at Science High School

Proposal Submitted to Superintendent Lim Taehee on the 10th

With the opening of Bucheon Science High School scheduled for March 2027, Bucheon City has requested that 50% of incoming students be selected from within the local area.

According to Bucheon City on September 11, Mayor Jo Yongik officially proposed the introduction of a regional quota system during a meeting with Lim Taehee, Superintendent of Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, the previous day. National Assembly members Seo Youngseok (Bucheon A), Kim Gipyo (Bucheon B), and Lee Geontae (Bucheon C), who represent districts in Bucheon, also attended the meeting.

In March, Bucheon City secured the establishment of Bucheon Science High School through an official designation notice by the Superintendent of Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education. In Gyeonggi Province, four locations, including Bucheon, are pursuing either the establishment or conversion of science high schools. Bucheon Science High School is set to operate a specialized curriculum focused on robotics, a key local industry.

Mayor Jo emphasized, "Bucheon’s youth have had limited opportunities to advance in science education compared to the demand," adding, "If 50% of the enrollment quota is allocated to students from Bucheon, it will broaden opportunities for local youth to become advanced science talents and help prevent the outflow of outstanding students."

Mayor Jo Yongik of Bucheon (left) is delivering a proposal for the introduction of a regional quota system at Bucheon Science High School to Lim Taehee, Superintendent of Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education. Bucheon City

In fact, Bucheon operates the largest number of science-focused high schools among local governments in the province, with active establishment and participation in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) courses at each school. The city is also considered an optimal location for nurturing scientific talent, boasting a solid research and development (R&D) foundation through partnerships with four local universities, five major specialized industry research institutes, and advanced companies such as Onsemi Korea and DB HiTek.

However, opportunities to advance to advanced educational institutions such as science high schools remain insufficient, resulting in the annual outflow of around 300 middle school students to other regions. The city explained that this could weaken local competitiveness, making proactive measures necessary.

Mayor Jo stated, "Bucheon Science High School should serve as a driving force for national scientific and technological advancement, equitable talent development across regions, and Bucheon’s leap toward becoming a city of advanced science education," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that Bucheon Science High School becomes a cradle for nurturing national science talent."

Bucheon Science High School will undergo a central investment review by the Ministry of Education and secure funding next month, followed by design and groundbreaking next year, and is scheduled to open in March 2027. The school plans to operate specialized curricula such as an artificial intelligence (AI) robotics major track and the Bucheon Arts and Science Academy (BASA), leveraging the region’s strengths to foster future science and convergence talents.