[New Year’s Address] Superintendent Shin Kyungho: "Gangwon Education Is the Life of Its People... We Will Achieve a Better Life"

Superintendent Shin Kyungho Stresses "Children's Growth as Gangwon's Competitive Edge"
Accelerating the "Great Transformation of Gangwon Education" Encompassing Academics, Character, and Future Growth
Key Initiatives Announced, Including Opening of Gangwon Special Education Institutes in Chuncheon, Wonju, and Gangneung in June
Innovating Future-Oriented Classes... Establishment of the AI Platform "Gangwon AI-ro"

Shin Kyungho, Superintendent of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education, expressed his strong determination in his 2026 New Year’s address, stating, "Gangwon education is the very life of Gangwon residents, and we will strive to achieve a better life for our citizens through education."

Shin Kyungho, Superintendent of Gangwon Provincial Office of Education. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Office of Education

Superintendent Shin reflected on the past year, highlighting that Gangwon education achieved the highest rating in the nationwide evaluation of city and provincial education offices despite challenging circumstances. He attributed this success to the trust of local residents and the education community, adding, "Building on this foundation, in 2026 we will more vigorously and closely realize education where the growth of each child becomes the competitive strength of Gangwon."

The Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education has set 'responsible education,' which ensures the growth of every student to the very end, as its top priority for this year. Superintendent Shin emphasized, "We will not only firmly establish the foundations of learning by strengthening literacy and numeracy skills, but also support language development from early childhood and build an integrated, customized support system for students, creating an educational environment with no blind spots."

He continued, "We will strengthen character education based on consideration and respect in daily life, and connect mental health promotion with school violence prevention programs to help students grow into future citizens with strong moral character."

The digital transformation strategy to prepare for future education will also be further detailed.

In 2026, the artificial intelligence (AI) teaching and learning platform 'Gangwon AI-ro' is expected to be fully established in schools. Through this, the aim is to overcome regional educational disparities and provide each student with optimized, personalized learning, thereby fostering self-directed learning capabilities.

Additionally, the province plans to expand Gangwon-style Meister high schools and continue to innovate career and vocational education in line with changes in new industries and technologies, so that students can plan their futures in Gangwon and become core talents in the local community.

A concrete roadmap for achieving educational autonomy was also presented.

Superintendent Shin stated, "Focusing on educational special provisions under the Gangwon Special Act and special education development zones, we will independently design education policies tailored to local realities and significantly improve student commuting conditions to ensure safe routes to school." He added, "In particular, this June, the Gangwon Special Education Institutes will open simultaneously in the three cities of Chuncheon, Wonju, and Gangneung."

Superintendent Shin Kyungho emphasized, "We will realize education where the learning and experiences of a single child become the hope and future of the region," and added, "In 2026 as well, Gangwon education will vigorously move forward, starting with the growth of children and transforming the lives of local communities through education."