▲ Panoramic view of the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education

 

Gwangju Superintendent of Education Lee Jeong-seon on "Basic Education" and the Next Decade of Gwangju Education

Korea Education Newspaper × Interview with Gwangju Metropolitan City Superintendent of Education

Gwangju education stands at a turning point.Amidst structural limitations such as a declining school-age population and tightening local education finances, it must now confront the question of how to preserve the essence of public education.

 

Against this backdrop, Gwangju Education has achieved meaningful change over the past several years through clear policy directions and field-oriented implementation. Its educational philosophy of "diverse skills," "warm character," "global foundation," and "digital-based future education" is not just a slogan; it is leading to concrete results in schools.

 

The Korea Education Newspaper sat down with Gwangju Metropolitan City Superintendent of Education Lee Jeong-seon to assess the current state of education in Gwangju and envisage the next decade as the new year approaches.This conversation went beyond simply reflecting on past achievements. It also explored the significance of "basic education," a key word for Gwangju education heading into 2026, and how it is being implemented on the ground.

 

▲ Korea Education Newspaper, True Education Dialogue, Part 1 (Gwangju Superintendent of Education Lee Jeong-seon)

 

Q1. Looking back on 2025, the achievements of Gwangju education are clear.

Since taking office, you've been working tirelessly in the field. As you reflect on the year, what do you see as the biggest change?Also, if you had to summarize Gwangju education in one sentence, how would you describe it?

 

A. Lee Jeong-seon, Gwangju Metropolitan City Superintendent of Education

Since assuming the important role of Gwangju Education Director for the 4th term, I can confidently say that I have worked tirelessly to advance Gwangju education. Thanks to this, we have achieved many achievements, both large and small, this year.

 

In particular, as a result of promoting 16 key projects in 4 areas, including 'Diverse Skills', 'Warm Personality', 'Towards a Global-Based World', and 'Towards a Digital-Based Future', results were visible in all areas.

In terms of academic advancement, we saw the first perfect scorer on the CSAT in ten years, and the rate of students advancing to higher-level schools rose. The competition rate for vocational high schools rose compared to the previous year, and there was even a significant achievement: all 12 schools filled their quotas. I feel proud that I have contributed, even if only a little, to Gwangju students' journey toward their dreams.

It received the 'Best' rating for two consecutive years in the Ministry of Education's evaluation of provincial and metropolitan offices of education, and was also recognized for its policy-oriented aspects, such as being selected as the 'highest grade' for performance management in the Gwangju Education Development Special Zone.

 

However, it is regrettable that local education finances have been tightened due to tax deficits, hindering educational activities. In this context, we will do our best to ensure that students receive a sufficient education by fully utilizing the accumulated incentives worth 100 billion won secured through a national competition.

Q2. You suggested "basic education" as the core keyword for Gwangju education in 2026. 

This concept seems to embody the philosophy of Gwangju education, rather than simply being a slogan.How does it differ from existing public education discourse?

 

A. Lee Jeong-seon, Gwangju Metropolitan City Superintendent of Education

In 2026, we will implement various policies under the slogan, "Basic Education, Diverse Skills are the Future." "Basic Education" is a new direction for Gwangju education, established after careful consideration of how education can be implemented in line with the "basic society" guiding principles pursued by the Lee Jae-myung administration.

 

The goal is to enable all members of the educational community to achieve recovery, growth, and happiness within public education, and to build a driving force for sustainable regional development based on this. While compulsory education is the minimum requirement for public education, basic education is the ultimate condition for growth through public education. "Basic education" is promoted through three pillars: "educational safety net," "tailored growth," and "happy community." We will establish an "educational safety net" by strengthening character and life education, and foster "tailored growth" through diverse educational programs. Furthermore, we will foster a "happy community" through communication and cooperation.

Q3. Reading education and international exchange policies have become representative brands of Gwangju education.

The reading education program 'Back to Books' and the international exchange program received particularly enthusiastic responses from parents and students.

However, a point of caution is that while reading and international exchange share a high level of resonance, there's a risk that they could end up as one-time initiatives. Can these policies remain sustainable?

 

A. Lee Jeong-seon, Gwangju Metropolitan City Superintendent of Education

We plan to continue to pursue projects that have received positive reviews. The "Back to Books" reading education project, which launched in 2024 and garnered significant attention, will continue this year with the "Reading Together Every Day" campaign.

 

We will actively pursue programs to ensure that Gwangju students can engage deeply with the world through reading, much like Gwangju native and Nobel Prize-winning author Han Kang. We will also continue the "Student Global Leaders Around the World" program, which has received enthusiastic responses from students and parents.

This year, the program will be held around the world on diverse themes, including ▲democracy, human rights, and peaceful unification ▲literature ▲science ▲career exploration ▲ecological transition ▲volunteer work ▲culture and arts. The "365-Study Room," which was established in a general high school to great acclaim, will be converted into a "365-Career Room" at any middle school of your choice. The "One School, One College Admissions Director" program, which assists students with their college admissions, will also continue.

We will also continue to hold events such as 'Gwangtalpe' and 'Student Outdoor Busking', where Gwangju students can showcase their talents and skills.

 

Our plan is to continue these successful initiatives and launch new ones where they are needed. Specifically, we will create an environment where students can start businesses even after graduating high school by operating entrepreneurship clubs, entrepreneurship programs, and entrepreneurship schools.

 

▲ Korea Education Newspaper's True Education Dialogue Part 2 (Gwangju Superintendent of Education Lee Jeong-seon)

 

Q4. School violence and teacher authority issues are also national issues.

School violence and the decline of teachers' authority are increasingly becoming social issues. Ultimately, the quality of education can be seen as stemming from the stability of schools. As the superintendent of education, it seems crucial to closely monitor the stakeholders in education, including students and teachers. What is the Gwangju Office of Education's approach to this issue?

 

A. Lee Jeong-seon, Gwangju Metropolitan City Superintendent of Education

As school violence and violations of teachers' authority increase in schools, the number of students, parents, and faculty suffering from these issues is increasing. To address this situation, we are implementing programs such as student treatment cost support, school visits by mental health professionals, and hospital-style Wee Centers.

Last year, the "Character Life Education Department" was established to promote practical life education, and in 2026, the "Affectionate (情) Dagam (感) Project" will be launched. The Affectionate Project supports Gwangju students in developing affectionate character through various programs, including "Back to Basics," which aims to improve language and culture, the creation of character education packages, Family Love Day, and the operation of Affectionate Family Week. The "Relationship Recovery Consideration System" will also be introduced, encouraging healing and growth through communication rather than dismissing conflicts as school violence.

 

We plan to operate an ‘Educational Activity Protection Complaint Center’ and a ‘Crisis Classroom Care Center’ to ensure that not only students but also teachers do not suffer from infringement on their educational activities.

Q5. AI and digital transformation are inevitable trends.

Some say that education is at a major turning point in the digital age. I understand the AI ​​Education Center has also garnered attention. How is Gwangju Education preparing for the future of education?

 

A. Lee Jeong-seon, Gwangju Metropolitan City Superintendent of Education

It's no exaggeration to say we've already entered the digital age. To become leaders in the future, Gwangju students must proactively prepare for the digital age.

 

To support this, Gwangju Education has been steadily preparing infrastructure, content development, teaching and learning methods, and teacher training. First, the city has proactively fostered an AI and digital education environment. By providing students with smart devices, the city is establishing an equitable educational environment and developing Gwangju Aion to provide diverse educational content. Second, the city is supporting digital content through initiatives such as Bitgoeul AI and the development and distribution of Gwangju-specific AI teaching and learning materials. Third, the city is expanding AI and software curricula in elementary and middle schools, AI-focused schools, and experiential and exploratory programs to ensure personalized learning through AI. Fourth, to foster teacher-centered digital class innovation, the city is continuously hosting teacher capacity-building training and the AI ​​Gwangju Future Education Expo.

 

In January, the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education AI Education Center, a comprehensive AI education institution, opened its doors as the first of its kind in the nation. The AI ​​Education Center will provide students, parents, and citizens with opportunities to experience, learn, and research AI. The center will house facilities for experiencing Gwangju's AI industry-based content, education, AI knowledge exploration, and play. Outdoor spaces will be designed as experiential spaces for autonomous driving and drone training. Centered around the AI ​​Education Center, the center aims to create a people-centered Gwangju-style AI education ecosystem where students and teachers can grow together.

 

Q6. Discussions on the administrative integration of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province are also extending to the field of education.

While administration is picking up speed, there are also growing voices calling for caution in education. As the Superintendent of Education, where do you draw the line?

 

A. Lee Jeong-seon, Gwangju Metropolitan City Superintendent of Education

Administrative integration of cities and provinces is a pressing need for balanced national development. The integration of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province is expected to alleviate the unipolarity of the Seoul metropolitan area and restructure the industrial and economic structure of the metropolitan area. Particularly, amidst the crisis of regional extinction, administrative integration is an unavoidable necessity for Gwangju and South Jeolla Province to lead the future society and become a pillar of balanced development.

 

The merger of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province will create a "super local government" with a population of 3.2 million and a gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of 150 trillion won. It is expected to rival Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, Sejong and Daejeon, and Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province. On January 9, President Lee Jae-myung met with the governors of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province and members of the National Assembly and pledged generous support for the merger. As the head of Gwangju Education, I wholeheartedly welcome this.

 

The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education will actively cooperate with the administrative integration initiative, which aims to foster the prosperity and development of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province. We will support Gwangju and South Jeolla students so they can learn, settle, and contribute to regional development. However, educational integration is subject to many variables, so it is important to listen to the opinions of the educational community. We will do our best to ensure that the administrative integration of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province fosters growth and development for students in both regions.

 

▲ Korea Education Newspaper's True Education Dialogue Part 3 (Gwangju Superintendent of Education Lee Jeong-seon)

 

Q7. Finally, is there a message you would like to share with the Gwangju education community and citizens as we welcome the new year?

 

 

A. Lee Jeong-seon, Gwangju Metropolitan City Superintendent of Education

To enhance the value of Gwangju education, the interest and cooperation of not only students and parents, but also citizens and the local community are essential. In particular, with the rapid progress of administrative integration, much discussion has been taking place since the new year. I hope that students, parents, faculty, and citizens all take an interest in this situation.

 

If you have any insightful suggestions for advancing Gwangju education, I will actively consider them. I hope everyone will join us in realizing a Gwangju education system that leaves no child behind.

What we were able to confirm through this conversation is that Gwangju education does not settle for short-term results, but rather designs a mid- to long-term vision centered on the essence of education.The keyword "basic education" is not simply a policy term; it encapsulates the direction of Gwangju education, which aims to take responsibility for the growth and life of each and every student.

 

Policies spanning reading and international exchange, basic academic skills and mental health, and even AI-based future education are interconnected, not disconnected, but linked under a single philosophy. This demonstrates that public education can be trusted and serve as the foundation for a sustainable future for the region.

 

Education is not a matter of speed, but of direction.Gwangju Education has established that direction relatively clearly and is gradually proving its potential in the field.

 

The Korea Education Newspaper will continue to document the choices and changes being made in Gwangju education, and together we will consider the future of public education.

 

[Kim Beom-dong, Senior Reporter, Honam Bureau, Korea Education Newspaper]