A total of 41 metropolitan and local governments designated as education development special zones
Providing support of over 30 billion won, operating specialized education programs with regulatory relaxation
Localities selected to present strategies to prevent brain drain and local depopulation
Some areas set a goal of over 50% local talent recruitment in collaboration with businesses, ‘[by Shin Haying, edaily] The government has designated 41 regions nationwide as education development special zones to prevent regional depopulation. The aim is to enhance the autonomy of local governments and improve education conditions by operating specialized education programs.’,
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, ‘On the 30th, the Ministry of Education and the Local Autonomy Development Institute announced the results of the second designation of education development special zones. Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju-ho, also the Minister of Education, said at a briefing held at the Seoul Government Complex that “local authorities who know the local situation best will cooperate to drive regional development.”‘,
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, ‘The areas selected as education special zones this time include one metropolitan and 40 local governments. In terms of application numbers, a total of 25 were selected. These regions will receive support of 30 billion to 100 billion won over the next three years, with regulatory relaxation for enhanced autonomy being pushed. The decision on financial support after three years will depend on the enactment of special legislation for the designation and operation of education development special zones.’,
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, ‘Earlier in February, the Ministry of Education designated six metropolitan and 43 local governments as education special zones. In this second round of selection, out of 47 applications received, 25 were designated as education special zone demonstration areas.’,
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, ‘The selected regions include △(1 metropolitan) Sejong City △(40 local) Paju, Gimpo, Pocheon, Yeoncheon, Gangneung, Donghae, Taebaek, Samcheok, Pyeongchang, Yeongwol, Jeongseon, Boeun, Gongju, Geumsan, Suncheon, Gimcheon, Yeongju, Yeongcheon, Ulleung, Gyeongsan, Namhae, Uiryeong, Changnyeong, Geoje, Hamyang, Jeonju, Gunsan, Jeongeup, Gimje, Imsil, Sunchang, Yeosu, Damyang, Gokseong, Gurye, Hwasun, Hampyeong, Jangseong, and Haenam.’,
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, ‘The target of the projects is generally “non-capital area,” but 10 areas within the capital region experiencing population decline, such as Ganghwa, Ongjin, Gapyeong, Yeoncheon, Gimpo, Paju, Goyang, Dongducheon, were allowed to apply. Among these, Paju, Gimpo, Pocheon, and Yeoncheon were selected this time.’,
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, ‘The applications presented by the selected areas include incentives to minimize brain drain and encourage population influx. Geumsan County, Chungcheongnam Province, plans to operate Sanggok Elementary and Sewon Middle Schools as ‘Atopy Asthma Assurance Schools’ and revitalize an atopy healing village in the region in response to the recent surge in severe atopy prevalence among children and adolescents.’,
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, ‘Some areas are promoting specialized education programs. Suncheon City in Jeollanam-do plans to pursue ‘K-Disney Suncheon Education’ integrating elementary, middle, and high school programs. They aim to connect related companies and schools to operate a specialized education focusing on webtoons, movies, and animations. Additionally, they have outlined plans to establish an animation and cultural content cluster in connection with the regional cultural city special zone.’,
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, ‘Some areas have also expanded the percentage of local talent recruitment through collaboration with businesses. Donghae City in Gangwon Province has set a strategy to achieve a recruitment rate of over 50% with LS Cable & System. LS Cable & System, operating the Donghae Plant, also supports employment and settlement of discharged military personnel.’,
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, ‘U Do-ki, Chairman of the Local Autonomy Development Institute, said, “Education special zones are essential for opening a liveable local era in any part of Korea,” adding, “Through the designation of education special zones, we will spread regional-led education innovation models and create a virtuous cycle where outstanding talents nurtured in the region contribute back to the region.” An official from the Ministry of Education said, “We will consider next year’s additional selection based on the operational achievements of this year’s designated demonstration areas and regional opinions.”‘,
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