Executive Summary
Recently, AI has triggered structural changes across the economy, society, and
culture at an unprecedented speed of technological advancement, rapidly spreading as
a general purpose technology that encompasses not only industries and technologies
but also daily life. Due to the characteristics of Generative AI, which requires
massive capital and high level talent, the technological gap between nations is
widening. To lead in AI technology and secure industrial competitiveness, it is
necessary to closely examine the current status of Korea's AI education system and
suggest efficient directions for fostering AI talent.
This report analyzes all stages of AI education from primary and secondary
education to universities, graduate schools, and vocational training and reviews key
considerations for nurturing talent that meets the demands of the AI industry. In the
primary and secondary education stages, digital literacy is being strengthened as an
essential competency for all students. Simultaneously, to identify potential high level
talent early, initiatives such as the operation of AI and digital gifted education
centers and the implementation of AI specialized curricula are underway.
The education system in universities and graduate schools is being restructured
with a dual goal: fostering practical AI talent and cultivating top-tier talent capable
of developing core AI technologies. To strengthen the training of AI practical talent,
new initiatives such as software-focused universities and flexible academic
programs, including micro degree, are being introduced. Furthermore, to nurture
world class AI talent, AI graduate schools have been established, and long term
R&D support programs, such as SW Star Labs, are being concentrated on.
In the field of vocational education, the government, corporations, and private
educational institutions are cooperating to build an ecosystem that effectively
provides AI education for non majors and AI utilization training for domain experts.
Project Based Learning (PBL) and the participation of industry experts enhance
practical relevance and contribute to narrowing the gap between education and
employment. Private educational institutions, leveraging their agility to respond
quickly to technological changes, are rapidly incorporating the latest technology
stacks into their curricula.
However, since institutional education provided by schools, the government, and