Wonju High School Accelerates Achievements as Autonomous Public High School 2.0 Linked to Education Development Special Zone

Operating Four Pillars: Won ROAD, Won AVE, Won LINK, and Won DIVE
Leading Public Education Innovation with Specialized Curricula
Based on Community and University Collaboration

Wonju High School in Gangwon Province (Principal: Lee Seungcheol) has achieved remarkable results since being designated as an Autonomous Public High School 2.0 in 2024. The school operates specialized curricula centered on four major brands: 'Won ROAD' (career exploration), 'Won AVE' (community engagement), 'Won LINK' (university collaboration), and 'Won DIVE' (inquiry and research).

Wonju High School Autonomous Public High School 2.0 Program (AI Education). Provided by Wonju City

In the area of career exploration, the school supports practical career planning by inviting alumni entrepreneurs for special lectures. In addition, a variety of community-linked programs are actively underway, including problem-solving projects (PBL) for all grades, public institution field trips in cooperation with Wonju City, and science activity support for local middle school students.

Wonju High School has also achieved notable results in university collaboration. Through financial business agreements with five local universities-Gangneung-Wonju National University, Kyungdong University Medical Campus, Sangji University, Yonsei University Mirae Campus, and Halla University-the school operates a range of customized, specialized educational programs spanning artificial intelligence (AI), science, health and medicine, as well as the humanities, social sciences, and physical education.

In the inquiry and research domain, students are encouraged to share their achievements through annual thematic research presentations by grade. This year alone, more than 1,500 students (including duplicate participation) have taken part, producing high-quality research reports and outcomes. These achievements are reflected in student records, thereby enhancing students’ practical career competitiveness.

To support these educational outcomes, Wonju City has provided a total budget of 250 million won to Wonju High School over the past two years. The school has used this funding to establish AI labs and smart classrooms, and is also operating a program for all first-year students to obtain Level 2 certification in the AICE (Artificial Intelligence Competency Exam), further strengthening AI utilization capabilities.

Notably, Wonju High School is participating as a pilot school for the 'Visiting AI Classroom' project in collaboration with Yonsei University Mirae Campus, a key initiative of the Wonju City Education Development Special Zone. Through close cooperation with the special zone project, the school is expanding the synergy of public education innovation.

Principal Lee Seungcheol stated, "As the only autonomous public high school in Wonju, we will do our utmost to help students design their own career paths and develop inquiry skills through curricula developed in partnership with the local community and universities. We aim to reestablish ourselves as a leading local high school through balanced educational innovation, not only specializing in AI and medicine but also encompassing the humanities, social sciences, and physical education."

Won Kangsu, Mayor of Wonju, commented, "Wonju High School’s operation as an Autonomous Public High School 2.0, based on cooperation with the local community, is an important opportunity for regional educational development. We will continue to provide active support for its successful operation going forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.