North Gyeongsang education office seeks schools for 2027 space-restructuring project

The North Gyeongsang Provincial Office of Education announced Wednesday that it is moving to select schools for its 2027 space-restructuring project, which aims to transform aging school facilities — those more than 40 years old — into learning-centered spaces suited for future education.

This year's project covers 10 buildings with a combined floor area of 50,000 square meters, with a total budget of 135 billion won ($97.6 million).

Through the project, the provincial education office will create flexible and convergence-style learning spaces, AI- and digital-based education facilities, and areas for student rest and interaction.

Carbon neutrality and eco-friendly design will be factored into the process, along with elements that allow the facilities to be shared with local communities.

The office has been running the initiative since 2021, when it launched under the name "Green Smart School." Through this year, it has invested 1.9033 trillion won across 264 buildings at 178 schools, covering a combined floor area of 642,601 square meters.

From next year through 2031, the project will extend to 35 schools covering a total floor area of 175,000 square meters.

The office will open applications this month, conduct on-site reviews and evaluations of applicant schools in September, and select the final list of target schools in October.

"A change in school spaces is the starting point that drives change in education," North Gyeongsang Superintendent of Education Im Jong-sik said. "Building on the results achieved so far, we will continue to develop North Gyeongsang-style future schools."