Gyeongnam Education Office Confirms New Site for Yangsan Second Special School, Targeting 2030 Opening

The Gyeongnam Provincial Office of Education announced on the 5th that it has finalized a new site for the 'Yangsan Second Special School' in the Dongmyeon, Sasong-ri 295 area of Yangsan City, with a target opening date of September 2030.

The number of students requiring special education in the Yangsan region is projected to increase by 35.4% from 799 in 2021 to 1082 in 2026, a jump in just five years. Consequently, establishing a new school is urgently needed to alleviate overcrowding at Yangsan Hope School, the region's sole special school, and accommodate the growing student population.

The newly selected site bypasses complex administrative procedures such as the lifting of development restrictions or changes to urban management plans, allowing for accelerated project progression. The southern orientation of the site will facilitate a pleasant learning environment, and the location is expected to minimize the potential for resident complaints.

The total project cost, including land acquisition, is estimated to be around 66.7 billion won. A survey conducted by the Gyeongnam Provincial Office of Education among parents of students at Yangsan Hope School showed a high approval rate, with 90.11% of respondents agreeing to the site change.

A director from the School Support Division stated, "This decision was made to create a better educational environment for students with special needs as quickly as possible." He added, "We will expedite subsequent procedures, including educational environment evaluations and central investment reviews, to open the school as scheduled in September 2030."