Busan Office of Education to Add 84 Special Education Classes by 2028

"Every Child Should Learn Together at a Nearby School"

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Kim Seokjun) will gradually establish and expand a total of 84 special education classes by 2028 to respond to the increasing demand for special education. This initiative aims to enhance educational equity, reflecting the reality that the number of students eligible for special education continues to rise even as the overall student population declines.

According to the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education on October 27, the number of students eligible for special education in Busan increased by approximately 23%, from 6,221 in 2020 to 7,646 in 2025. In line with this trend, the office plans to establish a total of 84 new special education classes between 2026 and 2028, including 10 classes in kindergartens, 25 in elementary schools, 31 in middle schools, and 18 in high schools. As a result, the number of special education classes in Busan is expected to increase from the current 701 to 785.

For high schools, where the number of special education classes is particularly insufficient, the office will actively promote the establishment of such classes, especially in private schools that have not yet set them up, so that students can receive education near their residences. This approach is intended to alleviate overcrowding between schools and strengthen the foundation for inclusive education.

The plan for establishing and expanding special education classes includes: ▲ introducing a system for conducting a comprehensive survey of mid- to long-term enrollment demand every five years; ▲ implementing an advance notification system for special education classes based on enrollment demand; ▲ establishing criteria for 'justifiable reasons' to refuse the installation of special education classes; ▲ expanding support for facility and convenience improvements; and ▲ considering the assignment of one additional teacher to public and private schools with three or more special education classes.

Additionally, the office will provide 'inclusive education environment support funds' for three years to newly established schools and for one year to schools with expanded classes. This budget will be used for teacher and parent training, inclusive education camps, and external instructor programs. The support amount will also be increased from the current maximum of 35 million won to about 40 million won, allowing for tailored support such as the purchase of teaching aids and materials and the establishment of IoT smart classrooms according to each school's needs.

Superintendent Kim Seokjun stated, "The expansion of special education classes is not simply about increasing facilities, but about guaranteeing the right to learn for each and every student." He added, "We will continue to consider establishing various types of special schools so that all students eligible for special education can learn and grow together near their homes."

Busan Metropolitan Office of Education.

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