Full Effort to Attract World-Class International School... Pohang Delegation Visits Prestigious UK CCB

From Industrial City to a Hub for Education and Research
Discussing Cooperation with CCB for the Establishment of an International School
Mayor Lee Gangdeok: "An International School Will Be Key Infrastructure for Attracting Foreign Companies and Enhancing Residential Competitiveness"

Pohang City is accelerating efforts to attract a world-class international school as part of its plan to build a global educational infrastructure.

On October 14 (local time), a Pohang City delegation led by Mayor Lee Gangdeok and Lim Juhui, Chairperson of the Economic and Industrial Committee of the Pohang City Council, visited Christ College Brecon, a British royal school, and met with Chairman Michael Davis and Principal Gareth Pearson to discuss cooperation for the establishment of Pohang International School.

Lee Gangdeok, mayor of Pohang, proposed an invitation to visit Pohang in November and the signing of a business agreement between the two organizations, which CCB positively accepted. (Lee Gangdeok, mayor of Pohang, Michael Davis, chairman (right))

Founded in 1541, Christ College Brecon (CCB) is a boarding private school with a 484-year tradition, officially supported by the British royal family. It is renowned for its robust science and engineering-focused education and its philosophy of holistic education.

Pohang City explained the background and educational vision for attracting an international school at the meeting, emphasizing its goal to establish a future-oriented international education hub by strengthening connections with POSTECH and local research institutions.

CCB shared its long-standing traditions, holistic education philosophy, and curriculum management experience, confirming the possibility of long-term cooperation with Pohang. The delegation also toured key facilities such as classrooms, dormitories, and arts buildings, reviewing details that could be referenced for future establishment in Pohang.

In particular, Mayor Lee Gangdeok proposed an invitation for a visit to Pohang in November and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two organizations, which CCB positively accepted.

CCB stated that its goal is to establish a top-tier international school in Asia that continues the tradition and educational philosophy of the main campus, expressing strong intent to open a Pohang branch.

Key CCB officials are scheduled to visit the 66,000-square-meter international school site already secured within Pentacity, Pohang, to conduct an on-site inspection and sign a business agreement.

Targeting an opening in 2029, Pohang International School will be the first foreign educational institution in North Gyeongsang Province and will be developed as a boarding global campus capable of recruiting students nationwide.

The establishment of the school in Pohang is expected to play a significant role not only in creating a global educational environment in the region, but also in attracting foreign companies and improving residential conditions, thereby contributing to overall regional development.

The city plans to mobilize all administrative resources, including forming a task force, to swiftly promote the project and enhance Pohang's global competitiveness by attracting advanced industry and R&D professionals as well as foreign investment.

Mayor Lee Gangdeok emphasized, "If an international school is established in Pohang, which is transforming from a steel-centered industrial city into a global city where education, research, and advanced industries coexist, it will become a key infrastructure for strengthening future competitiveness. We will ensure the successful attraction of a world-class international school to recruit R&D talent and secure the city's future competitiveness, elevating the economic free zone into a global hub for national high-tech strategic industries."

Lim Juhui, Chairperson of the Economic and Industrial Committee of the Pohang City Council, also stated, "An international school is a core facility not only for nurturing local talent but also for improving investment and residential conditions for foreign companies. The Pohang City Council will work closely with the administration to make every effort to ensure the successful attraction of the international school."

The international school planned for establishment in Pohang Convergence Technology District (Pentacity) will be classified as a foreign educational institution under the "Special Act on the Designation and Operation of Free Economic Zones," allowing some domestic students to enroll. Currently, there are three such schools in Korea under this law: one in Daegu (Daegu International School) and two in Songdo, Incheon (Chadwick International School Songdo and Calvin Manitoba International School).

The Pohang City delegation visiting Christ College Brecon in the United Kingdom is taking a group commemorative photo with the school officials. Photo by Pohang City

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