Operating under the guiding principle that educational solutions lie directly within school field realities, the administration has rolled out strict smartphone regulations, established a direct educator protection unit, and restructured regional governance.
Phone-Free Schools and Digital Detox Initiatives
The provincial education office designated 300 pilot institutions as “Phone-Free Schools,” providing each participating campus with two million won in funding, according to official regional data. Rather than imposing rigid bans, the policy relies on student self-governance and community agreements to curb non-educational device usage during instructional hours. Alongside classroom rules, the office has advocated for legislative amendments at the National Assembly to restrict social media access for minors under 16, framing digital self-regulation as an essential modern competency.
Direct Educator Protection Unit and Legal Support
To combat severe classroom disruptions and malicious complaints, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education established a dedicated Educator Protection Unit operating directly under the superintendent, according to agency announcements. The initial recruitment drive for 50 specialized officers drew 1,823 applicants, resulting in a 36.46-to-1 competition rate that prompted officials to expand the team to 300 personnel. Comprising lawyers, police officers, medical professionals, and counselors, the unit provides one-on-one support for teachers facing child abuse allegations or severe rights violations. This team integrates prevention, immediate response, and psychological recovery across 25 regional support centers.
Regional Governance and Administrative Decentralization
The education office initiated structural reforms to slim down headquarters operations while granting greater autonomy to local educational support offices, according to regional policy documents. Additionally, the office introduced a public recommendation system for regional education heads, appointing leaders across 11 districts with plans to expand the process. Furthermore, the “Breaking Walls” cooperation strategy deploys dedicated coordinators across 31 municipal districts to integrate local community resources, universities, and corporate infrastructure directly into school curricula.
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