[Report] "AI and Smart Farms All in One Place"... The 'Career Compass' That Captivated 2,000 at Hae-Wan-Jin Expo

60 Booths Highlight Future Industries and Regional Specialties
From Career Exploration to Tailored College Counseling: One-Stop Service
First-Ever Joint Expo by Three Education Offices Signals a New Era for Local Talent Retention

"Does this seaweed powder really become a bath product? I just learned today that Wando’s ocean is at the heart of the healing industry!"

On the afternoon of July 8, under the blazing summer sun in Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, the Cheonghaejin Sports Center and the Farmer and Fisherman Cultural & Sports Center were buzzing with the excitement of over 2,000 students and parents, making the atmosphere even hotter than the weather outside.

This was the scene at the "2026 Hae-Wan-Jin Education Development Special Zone Career Expo," jointly hosted for the first time ever by the three regional education offices of Haenam, Wando, and Jindo in Jeollanam-do.

At the venue of the "2026 Hae-Wan-Jin Education Development Special Zone Career Expo," various advanced new industry practice booths such as autonomous driving, robot coding, and drones were set up, receiving enthusiastic responses from young people who will lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution era. Photo by Lee Jung-kyung

This was not just another expo where only job titles are listed. Wando played host to a so-called "All-in-One Edutainment Park," bringing together cutting-edge AI technology, regionally specialized marine industries, and tailored college admissions counseling, all in one place.

The Future Unfolds Before Your Eyes... Hall 1 Becomes a Playground for Advanced Technology and Creators

Hall 1, located at the Cheonghaejin Sports Center, was truly a "miniature of future new industries." The first booth to catch everyone’s attention was the AI booth. When a middle school student typed in a prompt, their own unique character was instantly generated on the screen. The student exclaimed, "The more specifically you describe what you want, the smarter the AI responds," unable to hide their amazement.

On the floor of the experience hall, a tense robot car race was unfolding. The students maneuvering the mini robots through tight corners had expressions as serious as professional race car drivers.

In addition, digital booths featuring autonomous vehicles, 3D pen art, and robot coding were packed all day with elementary to high school students. The webtoon artist booth, showcasing creativity, and the shorts and reels creator booth—where a single smartphone could connect the world—were also filled with laughter from students saying, "I could become a YouTuber with a million subscribers too!"

This expo provided an opportunity for students to discover the competitiveness and vision of our local industry through mentoring from seniors of specialized local high schools, as well as through the Wando seaweed industry and smart farms. Photo by Lee Jung-kyung

"The Region Is Our Strength"... From Wando Seaweed to CSI Forensics

Moving to Hall 2 at the Farmer and Fisherman Cultural & Sports Center, students found hands-on experiences that highlighted the unique character of the region.

The most impressive scene took place at the ocean-themed booth. Students carefully measured out black seaweed powder from Wando to create natural bath products. They experienced firsthand how the region’s abundant seaweed is transforming into a key resource for medical, beauty, and wellness industries of the future.

In front of the mini smart farm booth, equipped with IoT (Internet of Things) technology, students gasped in amazement. After seeing how an agricultural environment could be created with just one sensor, a student remarked, "If farming can be done with such advanced technology, there’s so much more that can be achieved in Wando," nodding in agreement.

Adding to this, seniors from local specialized high schools such as Wando Fisheries High School, Haenam Technical High School, and Jindo Practical High School shared their on-the-job expertise, explaining, "You can go from fisheries practice to seafood processing and even start your own business," which was met with great enthusiasm from middle and high school students considering their future careers.

The atmosphere was just as lively at the healthcare and service-related booths. At the nursing practice booth, students measured blood pressure and checked oxygen saturation, while at the life sciences booth, DNA extraction experiments using cells were in full swing.

At the legal experience booth in particular, students donned judge’s robes and simulated court trials, smiling as they said, "Wow, it’s just like in the movies!" There were also booths for airline cabin crew, e-sports professionals, and financial and legal experts, satisfying students’ diverse intellectual curiosities.

At 3 p.m., the "Create Your Future Business Card" booth was piled high with cards labeled "Future Robot Engineer" and "Marine Healing Specialist." On the Wando Student Council message board, cards fluttered with heartfelt resolutions such as, "I will achieve my dreams right here without leaving this region."

"Turning Vague Dreams Into Reality"... Dedicated Teachers Provide In-Depth Admissions Counseling

The true highlight of this expo was the "customized counseling zone with dedicated college admissions counselors" behind the flashy hands-on booths.

Through advance registration, admissions experts were strategically placed to thoroughly analyze students’ grade trends, mock test results, and school records. One high school student said, "I was lost about whether to focus on early or regular admissions, but after consulting with a teacher, my roadmap became clear," smiling brightly.

Parents who accompanied their children also expressed strong satisfaction. One parent said, "After my child experienced a job that suits their personality, we were able to receive tailored college admissions counseling right away. It was a huge relief."

Lee Cheol-yeong, head of Wando Education Office, said, "The core of this expo is that our students can receive hands-on expert help not only in exploring careers, but also in the actual admissions process." He added, "The fact that admissions counselors from Haenam, Wando, and Jindo have come together to support students is a great example of collaborative education in the region."

At the 2026 Hae-Wan-Jin Education Development Special Zone Career Expo, students are reviewing their school records and grade trends with dedicated academic advisors to develop customized strategies for early and regular university admissions. Photo by Lee Jung Kyung

"A Clear Goal Made Me Who I Am"... Coach Seri Park’s Special Lecture and Support from County Governor Kim Shin Draw Attention

At Wando Cultural and Arts Center, a special moment awaited students. Golf legend Coach Seri Park took the stage to deliver a special lecture titled "I Still Dream Now."

Coach Park candidly shared her own story of switching from track and field to golf during her school years and the painful memories of her family’s financial hardships. She said, "The crisis at that time became my biggest motivation to succeed," and emphasized, "No matter the circumstances, it is most important to have a clear, unwavering goal," earning enthusiastic applause from the students.

Strong support from the local government further heated up the atmosphere at the expo. On this day, Wando County Governor Kim Shin encouraged the students in his congratulatory speech, saying, "What matters more than the size of your dream is the determination to keep moving forward without giving up." He went on to promise, "I will always be prepared and provide generous support so that students from Haenam, Wando, and Jindo can grow into outstanding talents and achieve their dreams," expressing his strong commitment to advancing regional education.

Haenam, Wando, and Jindo—though administratively divided, the dreams of 2,000 students designing their future were aligned like a compass needle at the scene of the "2026 Hae-Wan-Jin Education Development Special Zone Career Expo."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.