Ministry of Science and ICT launches regional gifted-school call

The Ministry of Science and ICT said it will solicit plans to convert about three high schools in seven regions without science-gifted schools, aiming to create local pathways for future core talent.

The proposed conversions target existing high schools in Gangwon, South Gyeongsang, North Gyeongsang, Ulsan, North Jeolla, Jeju and South Chungcheong. The ministry said the program takes account of regional balance and shrinking school-age populations. Eight science-gifted schools currently operate nationwide, with the Korea Science Academy of KAIST in Busan the only one affiliated with a science and technology institute.

Ku Hyeok-chae, the ministry's first vice minister, called the conversion "a new starting point for considering how society can move beyond entrance-exam-centered education and foster future core talent."

Applicants must form a joint consultative body involving a school, regional education office, local government and science institute, then submit operating plans between Aug. 7 and Oct. 16. Each regional education office may recommend only one school. The ministry held four rounds of consultations and discussions with local governments and education offices in the target regions from April through July. It plans to assess applicants in November based on factors including local support for conversion and proposed school operations and curricula, before final designation is considered in December by the Education Ministry's central gifted-education committee.

Selected schools would provide advanced instruction linked to science institute faculty, creative research and project-based learning, with opportunities to use research facilities and equipment. Their curricula would also include region-specific industry research projects and startup education developed with local industry, universities and research institutes.