First Public Alternative School in North Gyeongsang to Open in Andong in 2029 with Six Classes and 90 Students

The Gyeongbuk Office of Education (Superintendent Lim Jong-sik) announced on December 22 that it will move forward with the establishment of the (tentatively named) Korea Webtoon High School, the first public alternative school in North Gyeongsang Province, aiming to open in March 2029. This initiative is intended to prevent students from dropping out and to expand opportunities for alternative education.

The (tentatively named) Korea Webtoon High School will be established as a dormitory-type alternative school with six classes and a total capacity of 90 students on the site of the former Yeongho Elementary School in downtown Andong. The school plans to offer a specialized curriculum focused on creation and entrepreneurship through webtoons, reflecting the diverse needs of students who are struggling to continue their studies as well as those seeking alternative education options.

Gyeongbuk Office of Education

To establish the school, the Gyeongbuk Office of Education finalized the school site after passing the review of the Education Environment Protection Committee on December 4. On December 15, the Gyeongbuk Alternative School Establishment and Operation Committee convened to review matters related to the curriculum, academic accreditation, assessment, and overall operation.

The Gyeongbuk Office of Education plans to fully incorporate the feedback discussed during the review process and finalize the school establishment plan. The office will then submit the proposal for final approval at the first North Gyeongsang Province Education Financial Investment Review in 2026.

Lim Jong-sik, Superintendent of the Gyeongbuk Office of Education, stated, "By establishing the first public alternative school in North Gyeongsang Province, we hope to meet the diverse needs of students and parents regarding alternative education, and to create an important opportunity to prevent students from dropping out and to realize personalized education." He added, "We will continue to expand educational choices so that every student can grow at their own pace and in their own way."