Gwangju Office of Education Enhances Student Psychological and Emotional Support with 'Metaverse Counseling Program'

The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education announced on April 16, 2026 that it will reorganize and operate the “2026 Metaverse Counseling Program” to more closely monitor students’ psychological and emotional well-being.

Gwangju Office of Education building.

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The metaverse counseling program is a non-face-to-face counseling service introduced last year, targeting middle and high school students as well as special needs students who are able to participate in counseling. It is characterized by supplementing traditional in-person counseling, while enhancing anonymity and accessibility.

Students can receive counseling in the following areas: ▲Personal (depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, peer relationships, etc.) ▲Family (communication within the family, family conflicts, etc.) ▲School life (absenteeism, academic stress, interpersonal relationships, etc.) ▲Lifestyle habits (obesity, smoking cessation, alcohol abstinence, gaming, gambling, etc.).

In particular, the operation method has been significantly improved to enhance the effectiveness of counseling. The application process has been streamlined and unified through a QR code system, allowing students to apply, provide consent, and make counseling reservations all at once without additional paperwork. In addition, the program now focuses on individual counseling and psychological assessments, enabling in-depth, tailored counseling for students.

Counseling sessions are conducted in dedicated spaces within the metaverse platform and can be accessed via PCs, smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Counseling is also available during weekday evenings and on Saturdays (except Sundays and public holidays), so students can participate outside of regular working hours. Considering those who are concerned about disclosing personal information, participation is possible without creating an account.

The counseling program is operated in collaboration with professional counseling institutions, and if any signs of crisis are detected during the counseling process, the school will work together to respond quickly.

Cheolyeong Park, Director of Educational Affairs, said, “The metaverse counseling program is a form of counseling that allows students to share their concerns in a more comfortable environment,” adding, “We will further strengthen the tailored psychological and emotional support system for students.”

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