The future educational landscape of Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, is under discussion as officials consider the establishment of a science high school, the construction of a new elementary school, and the utilization of existing school sites.
To address declining school-age populations and changing educational environments, officials agreed that a comprehensive educational policy linking local industry and urban development is necessary, rather than approaching school construction and relocation as separate projects.
On October 24, Mokpo City held a '2026 Education Policy Meeting' at the Shangri-La Beach Hotel, in collaboration with the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Education Office and the Democratic Party's Mokpo City Committee.
Attendees included Mokpo Mayor Kang Sung-hwi, National Assembly member Kim Won-yi, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Education Superintendent Kim Dae-jung, Mokpo Education Support Center Director Park Jae-hyun, and Mokpo City Council Chairman Lee Hyung-wan, along with other Democratic Party-affiliated city council members.
The meeting aimed to review Mokpo's key educational issues and explore collaborative solutions among administrative bodies, educational authorities, and political representatives.
Central to the discussions was the need to attract a science high school linked to the region's industrial development.
Establishing a science high school would provide local students with specialized science education opportunities while fostering future talent to support the region's industrial growth.
Participants discussed the necessity of attracting a science high school that connects local industry and education, exploring ways for relevant agencies to collaborate.
The establishment of a new elementary school in the Seokhyeon district was also a major agenda item.
Officials exchanged views on the need for a new school to meet educational demands in residential areas and improve students' commuting conditions.
Particularly, the utilization of existing sites from the relocation of Mokpo High School and Mokpo Girls' High School was highlighted as a significant issue, not only for educational facility relocation but also for urban space utilization and revitalization.
How to utilize the land left vacant after the school relocations could significantly impact the surrounding living environment and community.
Thus, it was emphasized that the process of determining the use of existing school sites should consider both educational functions and the needs of local residents.
Additionally, the status of the application for designation as an education innovation leading area was reviewed.
Attendees agreed on the necessity of tailored educational policies to respond to the changing educational environment and committed to ongoing policy discussions on key issues.
However, the meeting served primarily to discuss the direction and collaboration for each issue, and plans for the science high school, new school construction, and site utilization have not yet been finalized.
The key to advancing these initiatives will be whether relevant agencies can establish specific timelines and roles.
Kim Dae-jung, the education superintendent, expressed appreciation for the meeting, stating, "I find it meaningful to hold this education issue meeting. With the launch of the integrated special city, a new educational environment is being created, and I will do my best to ensure that various local educational issues are thoroughly discussed and promptly addressed."
Kim Won-yi, the National Assembly member, emphasized the importance of the speed of implementation for educational issues.
He stated, "The direction of important local educational issues is crucial, but so is the speed of execution. It is essential to create an educational environment that citizens can feel, and relevant agencies must fulfill their roles to promote local coexistence and economic revitalization."
Kang Sung-hwi, the mayor of Mokpo, also highlighted the connection between educational policies and urban competitiveness.
He remarked, "The educational issues discussed today are critical not only to address the declining school-age population in Mokpo but also directly related to the city's competitiveness. I will actively cooperate to ensure that educational initiatives for the region's future are smoothly implemented."
This meeting is significant as it confirms the willingness of Mokpo City, educational authorities, and local political representatives to recognize key educational issues as shared challenges and collaborate.
However, to translate these discussions into tangible results for citizens, there remains the challenge of establishing timelines for each issue, securing funding, and ensuring responsible follow-up actions from relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, Mokpo City, the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Education Office, and the Democratic Party's Mokpo City Committee plan to continue policy discussions on key issues such as attracting the science high school, establishing a new elementary school in the Seokhyeon district, utilizing the sites of Mokpo High School and Mokpo Girls' High School, and applying for designation as an education innovation leading area.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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