The South Korean Ministry of Education revealed the selection of seven projects to improve school complex facilities around the country. These are meant to offer educational, cultural, and welfare facilities that support students and surrounding communities.
School complex facilities cover a variety of amenities, such as gyms, swimming pools, and libraries, incorporated on school grounds or on reused school grounds. The aim is to provide spaces serving educational and community purposes, particularly in areas that do not have sufficient facilities.
In the most recent round of selection, 40 schools were selected with an allocation of about 360 billion won of funding. Priority was assigned to projects associated with educational reforms, including special education development zones and Neulbom schools. Moreover, projects with swimming pools appropriate for survival swimming classes were given special consideration. The Ministry offers financial support that covers 20-30% of the cost of the projects, varying according to the financial capacities of local governments. Projects linked to education and childcare programs, such as spring schools and after-school education, are covered by an extra 10% of the budget.
Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Lee Ju-ho underscored the government's determination to enhance the educational environment and local conditions. He said, “We will actively support the establishment of school complex facilities in various parts of the country that can contribute to improving the educational environment and local conditions for students.
This project is included in a larger plan to develop 200 school complex buildings across the country by 2027. The Ministry plans to open these complexes as early as 2026, after design and construction processes. By 2024, 80 school complex buildings have been allocated, demonstrating the continued effort to improve educational and community facilities throughout South Korea.
