Gangwon Superintendent Kang Samyeong Calls on Cities and Counties to Jointly Invest in "Future Growth Career Special Zones"

Gangwon Provincial Office of Education to Invest Up to 10 Billion Won per Region Over Five Years

Education Office and Cities/Counties to Split Costs Equally... Around Five Zones to Be Designated in March 2027

Connecting Students with Local Businesses and Universities, from Career Exploration to Employment

Kang Samyeong, superintendent of education of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, proposed on November 11 that cities and counties across the province jointly invest in establishing “Future Growth Career Special Zones.” The initiative will connect students with local businesses, universities, public institutions and other organizations to support career exploration, further education and local employment. The plan aims to extend opportunities for educational innovation throughout Gangwon following the selection of eight leading regions for educational innovation.

Kang Samyeong, Superintendent of Education of Gangwon State. Photo provided by the Gangwon State Office of Education.

District offices of education and city and county governments will draw up plans tailored to local industries and educational conditions, then apply jointly. Investment will total up to 10 billion won per region over five years.

As a rule, the provincial education office and city and county governments will each cover half the cost, although they may adjust the shares by agreement. The special zones will operate for three years and may be extended by up to two years following an interim evaluation.

Cities and counties designated as special zones will operate integrated career education support centers and carry out locally tailored career exploration programs, a citizen career-instructor initiative, and arts, sports and culture voucher programs. In addition to these required projects, they may independently design initiatives that meet local needs. The provincial education office expects the zones to expand opportunities for students to explore careers and find work locally, helping revitalize the regional economy and address population decline.

The provincial education office plans to hold a project briefing on December 3, 2026, invite applications in January 2027, and designate around five cities and counties as special zones in March 2027. It will pursue joint investment agreements and pilot operations starting in May 2027, with full-scale operations beginning in 2028.

“The 18 cities and counties in Gangwon each have different strengths and potential,” Superintendent Kang said. “We will build an education system in Gangwon that helps children discover their dreams in the communities where they live and develop the strength to venture out into the world, and where their potential becomes the future of their communities.”

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