The South Korean government has designated six specialized high schools across the country as Meister high schools to secure future talent in advanced strategic industries such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). The new designations include schools in Yongin, Busan, Iksan in North Jeolla, Mokpo and Haenam in South Jeolla, and Mungyeong in North Gyeongsang.
On June 16, the Ministry of Education announced that it had selected these six schools following a review by a designation committee. This initiative aligns with the national agenda to strengthen AI education in primary and secondary schools and build a data-driven future education system. Four schools were chosen for AI convergence (AI+X) and two for semiconductors. These schools will undergo a process of curriculum enhancement and innovation, with the first cohort of Meister students expected to enroll in March 2028.
During the 20th designation review, three schools received immediate approval: Busan Electronics High School (semiconductors, 96 students), the yet-to-be-named Yongin Semiconductor Meister High School (semiconductors, 96 students), and Iri Technical High School (AI and secondary batteries, 96 students). These schools were recognized for their tailored educational programs designed in close collaboration with industry.
On June 16, the Ministry of Education announced that it had selected these six schools following a review by a designation committee. This initiative aligns with the national agenda to strengthen AI education in primary and secondary schools and build a data-driven future education system. Four schools were chosen for AI convergence (AI+X) and two for semiconductors. These schools will undergo a process of curriculum enhancement and innovation, with the first cohort of Meister students expected to enroll in March 2028.
During the 20th designation review, three schools received immediate approval: Busan Electronics High School (semiconductors, 96 students), the yet-to-be-named Yongin Semiconductor Meister High School (semiconductors, 96 students), and Iri Technical High School (AI and secondary batteries, 96 students). These schools were recognized for their tailored educational programs designed in close collaboration with industry.
In light of concerns about a shortage of talent in advanced technology fields, three additional schools received conditional approval: Mokpo Technical High School (AI energy, 128 students), Haenam Technical High School (AI industrial infrastructure, 80 students), and Mungyeong Technical High School (AI robotics, 60 students). These schools will undergo a review of their compliance with conditions by July 28, with final designation approval expected in September.
The Ministry of Education plans to provide substantial administrative and financial support to ensure the six newly designated schools become world-class technical institutions. Each school will receive a total of 5 billion won over two years for the establishment of advanced laboratories, dormitories, tailored teacher training, and curriculum development. Additionally, a dedicated consulting team composed of industry, academia, and research experts will be established to closely coordinate the preparation for the schools' opening.
With this new designation, the total number of Meister high schools in South Korea has increased from 59 (58 operational and one preparing to open) to 65.
Meanwhile, existing Meister high schools have completed adjustments to their specialized programs in response to changing industrial demands. Changes approved for Incheon Electronics Meister High School (from electronics and telecommunications to electronics, telecommunications, and AI), Gunsan Mechanical Technical High School (from shipbuilding and machinery to AI and robotics), and Gyeongbuk Bio Meister High School (from food quality management to bio) have broadened the scope of advanced talent development.
Education Minister Lee Gyo-jin stated, "The foundation of South Korea's rise as a global technology powerhouse is due to skilled craftsmen in the industrial field. Training talent for advanced industries is an urgent task for the nation's future survival. We will work closely with local education offices and relevant ministries to provide unwavering support for the six newly designated schools to become top technical institutions."
The Ministry of Education plans to provide substantial administrative and financial support to ensure the six newly designated schools become world-class technical institutions. Each school will receive a total of 5 billion won over two years for the establishment of advanced laboratories, dormitories, tailored teacher training, and curriculum development. Additionally, a dedicated consulting team composed of industry, academia, and research experts will be established to closely coordinate the preparation for the schools' opening.
With this new designation, the total number of Meister high schools in South Korea has increased from 59 (58 operational and one preparing to open) to 65.
Meanwhile, existing Meister high schools have completed adjustments to their specialized programs in response to changing industrial demands. Changes approved for Incheon Electronics Meister High School (from electronics and telecommunications to electronics, telecommunications, and AI), Gunsan Mechanical Technical High School (from shipbuilding and machinery to AI and robotics), and Gyeongbuk Bio Meister High School (from food quality management to bio) have broadened the scope of advanced talent development.
Education Minister Lee Gyo-jin stated, "The foundation of South Korea's rise as a global technology powerhouse is due to skilled craftsmen in the industrial field. Training talent for advanced industries is an urgent task for the nation's future survival. We will work closely with local education offices and relevant ministries to provide unwavering support for the six newly designated schools to become top technical institutions."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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