Jeonnam-Gwangju Hosts First Educational Supplies Expo: "Mutual Growth and Future Education"

Hands-On Expo Focused on AI and Edutech Experiences
Building a Regional Win-Win Ecosystem Through S2B Integration

For the first time since the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju education systems into one, a platform has opened to connect local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with schools in a spirit of mutual growth.

The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan Office of Education announced that it will host the '2026 Educational Supplies Expo' at the Suncheon Bay Ecological Culture Education Center for three days from September 30 to October 2, 2026.

This expo is the first event of its kind since the launch of the integrated office of education. It aims to create an ecosystem where education and the local economy grow together by offering local SMEs opportunities to expand their presence in the public education market and by providing high-quality educational equipment to schools.

The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education held the '2026 Educational Supplies Expo' at the Suncheon Bay Ecological and Cultural Education Center on the 30th. Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Office of Education

A total of 75 local companies are participating in the event, with 63 of them—representing 84%—being local manufacturing firms. The exhibition hall covers six essential categories of products and technologies for schools, including science laboratory equipment, safety and health supplies, sanitary goods, food service and kitchen equipment, general furniture, government-supplied materials, and AI and edutech devices.

In particular, the expo is not just a display of products; it is demonstration-oriented, allowing those in charge of purchasing school supplies to operate devices themselves and compare their performance, thereby supporting rational decision-making for actual end-users.

Education Superintendent Kim Daejung and Education Commissioner Choi Junghoon are attending the '2026 Education Supplies Expo,' listening to an explanation from a company representative and examining the exhibited products. Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Office of Education.

On-site training to support practical purchasing and contracting will be offered alongside the expo. During the event, approximately 2,100 school purchasing managers (700 per day) will receive education on S2B contract practices and the public procurement system. Additionally, 200 teachers will participate in training to experience the latest AI and edutech equipment, helping to build future-oriented digital classrooms and strengthen teaching capabilities.

The Office of Education has also significantly strengthened post-event support to ensure the expo is not a one-off event. A dedicated promotional hall for participating companies will be set up on the official website, and a permanent "Educational Supplies Expo Special Exhibition" will be operated within the S2B system.

With the integration of the Jeonnam and Gwangju education markets leading to a larger scale for public procurement, this new connection system is expected to play a crucial role in boosting sales for local businesses.

Visitors who came to the event venue are looking around the exhibition booths, examining various educational supplies and equipment. Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Office of Education

Section Chief Han Jongdeok stated, "This expo is not a short-term event but a new beginning aimed at sustainable ‘K-Education local production for local consumption (Jisan Jiso),’" and added, "We will continue creating a sustainable platform for mutual growth where local companies and schools communicate and develop, fostering the joint advancement of education and the regional economy."

Meanwhile, the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan Office of Education has released 24 episodes of the reading and humanities podcast "Bookk Bookk," featuring diverse stories from the educational community, through podcast platforms and its YouTube channel. Created in various formats, including barrier-free audiobooks and bilingual content, this program is receiving wide acclaim within the educational community.

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