Busan Education Office to Operate 5 "Physical AI Research Schools," First in Korea

Five Research Schools to Be Designated for the First Time Nationwide, Begin Operating Next Year

The Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education is bringing “Physical AI” education, which combines artificial intelligence (AI) with physical devices such as robots and sensors, into schools as it works to build a future-oriented education model.

The office said it will designate and operate five Physical AI research schools starting in 2027, becoming the first education authority in the country to do so. The initiative aims to create a learning environment that goes beyond basic coding education, where students think for themselves, discuss ideas and solve real-world problems.

To that end, the office will hold a Physical AI education workshop on the theme “Beyond the Screen and Into the Real World” at 2 p.m. on November 2 in the auditorium of the Busan Education Research and Information Institute. Around 300 teachers and education professionals are expected to attend.

Physical AI refers to technology in which artificial intelligence is combined with physical devices such as robots and sensors to perceive the real environment, make decisions independently and take action. As AI technology that moves directly in the real world, rather than simply processing information on a screen, becomes more widespread, the ability to understand and use it is growing in importance in schools as well.

The workshop is designed to help teachers understand the concepts and operating principles of Physical AI and design and apply future-oriented lessons suited to students’ levels. It will cover policy direction, technological changes and examples of classroom instruction.

At the event, Son Jedeuk, an education supervisor at the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education, will introduce the direction of its “Physical AI Education Policy” and key initiatives. Lee Inho, a professor at Pusan National University, will then give a lecture titled “A Decade of Change in Robotics Technology and the Future of Physical AI Education.”

Educational examples from different school levels will also be shared. Park Jaehyeon of Naeseong Elementary School, Lim Jaecheol of Hanbada Middle School and Lim Byeongryul of Dongnae High School will each present examples of Physical AI lessons they have conducted at their schools, along with tips on implementation.

The office explained that Physical AI education is not limited to building robots or acquiring coding skills; instead, it focuses on developing students’ critical thinking, discussion and problem-solving skills.

Superintendent Kim Seokjun said, “As AI moves beyond the screen and into the real world, the educational environment is reaching a major turning point. AI that makes decisions and moves on its own, like self-driving cars and care robots, is no longer a distant prospect; it will soon be part of our students’ everyday lives.”

He added, “I hope the vivid examples of classroom instruction shared by teachers will help bring these practices to every classroom in Busan. I also hope this workshop and the operation of the research schools will raise understanding and interest in Physical AI and serve as a starting point for bringing it into schools.”

Busan Metropolitan Office of Education

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