South Korean education authorities expand student and regional support

South Korean education authorities are expanding support for students and regional educational infrastructure. Bonghwa County has approved 903.5 million won in subsidies for 2026 to support seven projects targeting local private kindergartens and elementary, middle, and high schools. Key initiatives include operating the Bonghwa Talent Development Center, providing dormitory operating costs for three high schools, and supporting specialized education programs.

On a national level, Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin emphasized strengthening state responsibility for education and childcare. Proposed measures include expanding free childcare to ages 3–5, increasing after-school program vouchers for elementary students, and providing tuition support for freshmen at regional national universities. The Ministry also plans to enhance mental health safety nets for students, expand AI education from primary school through university, and implement institutional systems to handle school complaints to protect teachers.