Seongsan High School to adopt IB program by 2028

Jeju Seongsan High School will undergo a major restructuring to introduce the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Starting in March 2028, the school will operate a dual system: two classes will follow the Jeju-style IB general track, while two classes will maintain the existing maritime vocational track.

The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education announced this plan to address declining student enrollment and improve school competitiveness. Previously, attempts to convert the school into a national maritime high school were unsuccessful due to a lack of approval from the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The transition process includes registering the school as an IB interest school in October, applying for candidate status in April 2027, and implementing a ‘Pre-DP’ preparatory course for first-year students in March 2028. Full IB World School certification is expected in the latter half of 2028, with the formal Diploma Programme (DP) beginning for second-year students in March 2029.