South Korea is taking substantial steps to improve its education system and produce globally competent citizens. A pivotal initiative in this endeavor is the “Special Zones for Education Globalization”.
Under the “Special Act on the Designation, Operation, and Development of Special Zones for Education Globalization“, these zones are conceived as hotbeds of innovative education policies. They are especially centered around fostering global competitiveness and regional development through education. The government identifies areas that possess suitable conditions and demand for internationalized education and designates them as these special zones.
Busan Metropolitan City announced on July 13 that four of its regions – Jung-gu, Nam-gu, Haeundae-gu, and Sasang/Saha-gu (also known as Western Busan) – have been selected for the third phase of this national initiative. This is the highest number of zones designated for any city nationwide, with Busan accounting for a third of the 12 new zones across South Korea.
Busan’s four districts distinguished themselves in the selection process, showing a strong commitment to education innovation and evidence of concrete plans to foster international education. Examples include overseas joint classes and the use of EdTech for customized foreign language instruction.
Busan Metropolitan City is enthusiastic about the opportunities that the new designations bring. The city hopes that through the Special Zones for Education Globalization initiative, the regions can overcome local extinction risks and rejuvenate the area through leading models of internationalized education.
In the newly designated zones, schools are exempt from applying certain aspects of the ‘Elementary and Secondary Education Act’ for the next five years (2023-2027). This flexibility allows the zones to develop and implement distinctive education curriculums. Furthermore, the zones will receive financial support from both the central and local governments to drive their innovative education initiatives.
By claiming four of the twelve newly designated special zones, Busan has signaled its intent to become a leader in South Korea’s drive to globalize its education system and prepare its students to be global citizens.
