The Jeollabuk Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education announced on the 24th that they have concluded the second year of operating the Education Development Special Zone and established an education development model that embodies the unique characteristics of the region.

The Education Development Special Zone is a project where local governments, educational authorities, universities, local companies collaborate to nurture local talent based on public education and promote regional development. The Jeollabuk Office of Education has set the core of this model as 'region-led education innovation' and 'establishment of a local talent retention ecosystem.'

The strategic model consists of linking regional strategic industries, mutual care and retention in the region, linking local resources, and enhancing future capabilities. The Office of Education plans to promote the mutual utilization and expansion of educational programs and infrastructure among regions within the province through this.

They also presented specialized projects for each region. In Buan, they are operating a 'Buan Wheat Bakery Education Center' in collaboration with the local government to foster specialized talent in 'Buan Wheat Bakery,' and running bakery programs for elementary, middle, and high school students centered around the Jeollabuk Bakery High School. Gunsan is promoting a care and retention model through the operation of a care learning center 'Dakkot Care Gunsan' and support for safe transportation through the 'Care Connect Bus.' Jeonju is establishing a dietary education system for different life stages under the theme 'Jeonju's Taste, Continuing Tradition with K-Food' and operating programs such as 'Farm to Table' and 'Children's Cooking Class.' Namwon is addressing the future education gap through specialized drone software education, creating experiential spaces equipped with drone simulators and coding equipment, and promoting ICT education and hackathon competitions.

Furthermore, the Jeollabuk Education Development Special Zone was selected as an excellent example of creating synergy through the connection between the Education Development Special Zone and the Opportunity Development Special Zone, receiving commendation from the Ministry of Education.

Yoo Jung-gi, the Acting Superintendent of Education, stated, "To overcome the issue of declining school-age population, educational institutions, local governments, businesses, and local communities must cooperate," adding, "Through a sustainable education model that leverages regional strengths, we will create conditions for local talent to grow in Jeollabuk."