South Korean regional education offices launch major reform initiatives

South Korean regional education authorities are launching new initiatives to reform public education and foster local talent retention.

The Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education has announced the ‘Daejeon IB Education District’ project, set to begin in the eastern region in 2027 and expand to the western region in 2028. Based on International Baccalaureate (IB) principles, the initiative aims to move beyond individual school implementation toward a regional cooperation system. The goal is to establish a ‘Daejeon-style’ teaching and evaluation model that can eventually be applied to general schools. The office plans to expand the number of IB-related schools to 60 by 2030.

In Daegu, the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education and the Daegu Metropolitan Government have jointly applied to be designated as an ‘Education Innovation Leading Region’ by the Ministry of Education. This project seeks to create a local educational ecosystem through cooperation between local governments, schools, universities, and industries. The initiative focuses on reducing educational gaps, strengthening public education, and building pathways for local talent to settle in the region. If designated, the area will receive special grants and regulatory exemptions.