Suncheon mayor launches three-pronged education push, eyes science high school and new-town campuses

Suncheon seeks to rebuild its standing as the education and administrative center of eastern South Jeolla Province

Suncheon Mayor Son Hun-mo is rolling out three major education initiatives to restore the city's long-standing reputation as a premier education hub.

Son has expressed concern that Suncheon's standing as a traditional education city has faded since the region was reorganized under South Jeolla Province's school equalization policy, and said he had been working on ways to revive that reputation even before running for office.

According to the city, the three projects are: securing a regional eastern campus of the planned South Jeolla-Gwangju integrated special metropolitan education office; establishing high schools in the Sindae and Seonwol districts, targeting a 2031 opening; and pursuing designation as a leading education innovation zone.

On the eastern campus bid, the city is coordinating with the integrated education office and the Suncheon District Education Support Office to improve residents' access to education administration across eastern South Jeolla Province and promote balanced regional development. Officials are also reviewing potential sites, urban planning considerations and infrastructure support in preparation for constructing a new eastern office building.

The city is also exploring options for building a high school to serve the combined education demand of roughly 50,000 new-town residents — about 33,000 already living in the Sindae district and additional residents expected as development of the Seonwol district continues.

Suncheon is in ongoing talks with relevant agencies on school establishment, student placement and commuting conditions tailored to the educational needs and circumstances of each area.

Alongside this, the city is pursuing a science high school suited to the region's advanced industries, including semiconductors, materials and components, and defense. A task force has been set up with the local education office to review industrial and educational conditions and potential sites, with plans to actively engage in any public application and establishment procedures.

Building on its track record as a pilot zone for special education development districts, the city is preparing to seek designation as a leading education innovation zone and is pushing forward with locally driven future education reform.

The city plans to develop a "Suncheon education model" linked to AI, ecology, cultural content and regional strategic industries. The goal is to create a sustainable education ecosystem connecting learning, industry and livable communities, positioning the city to compete in future innovation zone designation rounds.

"We will build an educational environment where students can learn and grow right here in their community, strengthening the foundation for nurturing future talent," Son said.