The Ministry of Education announced plans to expand free education and childcare support from age 5 to age 4 next year to strengthen early childhood care. The teacher-to-child ratio for 0-year-old classes will be improved from one teacher per three children to one teacher per two children, and the number of care institutions in vulnerable areas will be increased from 56 to 200. Additionally, a fast-track system for innovative master’s and doctoral programs will be established to nurture AI talent.
On the 12th, the Ministry of Education held the ‘2026 Ministry of Education Work Report’ at the Government Sejong Convention Center and selected 15 key tasks under the vision of ‘Basic Education Responsible by the State, Education Power Felt by the People.’ Plans include expanding support for AI educational materials, developing ‘K-Education AI,’ expanding AI-focused schools, and developing AI ethics content.
To achieve balanced national growth, strategic educational and research hubs will be established in connection with the 5+3 strategic industries, and more than 4 trillion won will be additionally invested in key national universities over five years to prevent the outflow of excellent local talent to the metropolitan area. The Ministry also plans to develop and distribute the ‘Korean-style Ecological Transition Education Framework’ to strengthen students’ capabilities to respond to the climate crisis.
To strengthen elementary care, the Ministry will establish the ‘Whole Neighborhood Elementary Care and Education Model’ and operate the National Basic Academic Support Portal to ensure basic academic skills for all students. Special education teachers will be increased, and special schools will be expanded. Additionally, to prevent student suicides, social-emotional competency education will be expanded, the number of professional counselors will be increased, and the enactment of the Student Mental Health Support Act will be pursued.