Busan Office of Education Selects Four Recipients for the 38th Busan Education Awards

Honorees in Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, and Lifelong Education Recognized This Year

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Kim Seokjun) has selected four individuals as recipients of the 38th Busan Education Awards: Lim Jaetaek, Chairman of the Korea Institute of Ecological Early Childhood Education; Kim Ilyoung, former teacher at Haegang Elementary School; Lee Sangseok, former teacher at Sindo High School; and Kim Suja, former principal of Jurye Girls’ Middle School.

The Busan Education Awards, established in 1988, have recognized 139 recipients over the past 37 years. As a representative educational award in Busan, it is presented annually at the end of the year to those who have made significant contributions to the advancement of education in Busan.

Lim Jaetaek, Chairman of the Korea Institute of Ecological Early Childhood Education, was selected in the Early Childhood and Special Education category. Over 45 years, he has dedicated himself to training future educators and establishing the foundation for ecological early childhood education. He led the spread of the Korean-style forest kindergarten and was recognized for his efforts in improving integrated early childhood education policies, such as spearheading the enactment of the Infant Care Act and the Early Childhood Care Act.

Kim Ilyoung, former elementary school teacher, was selected in the Elementary Education category. For 42 years, he has practiced the educational philosophy of “saving one child,” leading efforts to expand educational welfare and care. He broadened student support systems through the operation of the Hanagong Research Institute, winter ski camps, and Hanagong Center activities, and continues to mentor and volunteer at night schools even after retirement.

Lee Sangseok, former secondary school teacher, was selected in the Secondary Education category. Over 36 years as a Korean language teacher, he contributed to the spread of writing education. As president of the Korean Writing Education Research Association, he strengthened the school writing education system and, through books such as “A Report Card Graded with Love” and “Writing Myself Here and Now,” presented exemplary teacher values and practical cases of writing education.

Kim Suja, former principal, was selected in the Lifelong Education category. For 39 years, she has worked to expand lifelong education in the region, based on counseling, career education, and civic engagement. In particular, as the head of the Busan Educational Autonomy Citizens’ Agenda Forum, she contributed to building the lifelong education ecosystem by promoting village education communities and strengthening civic leadership.

Superintendent Kim Seokjun stated, “The dedication of the award recipients in their respective fields forms an important foundation for the values pursued by Busan education,” adding, “We will realize ‘Busan Education Moving Forward Together into the Future’ by following the passion of these honorees.”

Busan Metropolitan Office of Education

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