Busan Education Chief Unveils AI-Driven Reform Plan for Future Learning

Kim Seok-jun, who recently began his unprecedented fourth term as Busan's education superintendent, has unveiled a transformative blueprint for the city's educational landscape, emphasizing a shift towards AI-driven learning. The reform, dubbed a "great transformation of Busan education," is set to unfold over the next four years, with a strong focus on academic recovery and advanced digital education. A central pillar of this initiative is the widespread integration of artificial intelligence into daily school operations. The plan includes the distribution of "AI tutors" to every school, designed to provide personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. This move is expected to support customized academic improvement programs for students across elementary, middle, and high school levels, offering systematic assistance from foundational skills to college preparation. Beyond personalized instruction, the reform also prioritizes the development of digital capabilities among students. Regional AI and maker education centers will be established, fostering environments where students can engage with cutting-edge technologies and develop essential AI literacy skills. This aims to prepare the next generation for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Recognizing the critical role of educators, the plan also addresses teacher support and workload reduction. Kim Seok-jun's administration intends to create complaint response teams within education support offices to handle malicious complaints systematically. Furthermore, dedicated teams for school administrative affairs will be expanded, and "staff AI assistants" will be introduced to significantly reduce the administrative burden on teachers. The overarching goal is to cultivate an educational environment where teachers can devote their primary attention to teaching and student mentorship, rather than being bogged down by paperwork. In his inauguration speech, Kim Seok-jun declared, "Now is the golden time to change the future of Busan education," affirming his commitment to completing future education that leads the AI era and taking responsibility for the growth of Busan's children. The reform also encompasses broader education welfare policies, strengthening support for special education students, those from migrant backgrounds, and out-of-school youth, aiming for a more inclusive and equitable educational system.