Busan Education Special Zone Receives Top Grade in Ministry of Education Evaluation for Second Consecutive Year

[Financial News] The Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education announced on the 15th that it received an A grade, the highest rating, for the second consecutive year in the Ministry of Education’s 2025 evaluation of the Education Special Zone pilot project, conducted as an annual review.
The Education Special Zone pilot project was launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Education and the Presidential Committee for the Era of Local Autonomy to foster local talent through public-education innovation and improve living conditions, thereby addressing the risk of regional extinction.
Currently, around 90 metropolitan and basic local governments are participating across 56 special zones nationwide.
After being selected jointly with Busan in February 2024 as an Education Special Zone pilot area, the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education has pursued various education initiatives under the goal of making Busan a good place to raise children and receive an education. These initiatives include improving academic achievement, digital and AI education, reforming the vocational high school system, and after-school programs.
Busan received high marks for its cooperative governance, the execution of special grants and local government budgets, and the extent to which it achieved its planned outcomes. In particular, the SW and AI education hub center, which established an experiential, year-round operating system, was recognized as a standout achievement.
Superintendent Kim Seok-joon said, "Receiving an A grade for two consecutive years is the result of the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education, Busan, district education support offices, universities, and the local community working together for the growth of Busan’s children. Building on the achievements accumulated through the Education Special Zone, we will expand education innovation to narrow regional education gaps and connect Busan’s diverse resources with students’ learning and growth."
[email protected] Kwon Byeong-seok Reporter