- South Korea is considering introducing Artificial Intelligence as a standalone subject in elementary, middle, and high schools.
- The move aligns with President Lee Jae Myung’s vision to enhance digital literacy and make Korea a global AI education leader.
- AI is currently part of practical and information subjects; expansion or standalone inclusion is under review by the National Policy Planning Committee.
South Korea is actively considering the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) as a standalone subject across elementary, middle, and high school levels, reflecting the country’s growing emphasis on preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital future. The move comes amid ongoing discussions within the National Policy Planning Committee, which is evaluating how best to adapt the national curriculum to meet the demands of a tech-driven world.
Currently, AI is introduced to students beginning in the 5th and 6th grades through the 'silgwa' curriculum, a practical studies course designed to equip children with basic life skills. In secondary education, AI is incorporated into the 'jeongbo' or information curriculum, with high school students having the option to choose AI-related electives. However, experts and education leaders argue that this integration is insufficient to meet the growing needs for digital literacy and AI competency.
The momentum behind these discussions is bolstered by President Lee Jae Myung’s broader initiative to strengthen digital literacy across all levels of education. His administration has signaled a strong commitment to transforming South Korea into a global hub for AI talent. Lee’s education reform agenda includes equipping students not only with foundational knowledge but also with the practical skills necessary to thrive in AI-powered industries. However, the current curriculum framework presents structural limitations, making it difficult to expand AI content meaningfully within the existing subjects. This has led policymakers and educators to suggest the creation of AI as a separate subject in the national curriculum.
Despite the enthusiasm, officials acknowledge that introducing a new subject is a long-term endeavor, requiring careful planning, teacher training, and curriculum development. As a more immediate step, the government is exploring ways to enhance AI instruction within the current system, possibly by enriching the content of the information subject or by offering a broader range of AI-focused electives.
These measures aim to lay a solid foundation for a more formal inclusion of AI in the years to come. The discussions underscore South Korea’s strategic focus on equipping its younger generations with future-ready skills and maintaining its competitive edge in the global digital economy.
