The Chungbuk Education Office has announced the establishment of 22 'whole village learning centers' across 11 cities and counties in the Chungbuk region. This initiative aims to provide inter-regional educational opportunities that break down local barriers. By incorporating hands-on experiences, the programs feature local farmers, artists, and cultural figures as educators, presenting students with a rich tapestry of history, culture, nature, and the arts that might not be easily accessible within traditional school environments.

Funded with a total of 7.8 billion won, these learning centers are free for students from elementary to high school, with groups ranging from 20 to 50 participants. The program is set to run until November, fostering an understanding of local communities among students and encouraging them to develop skills for their future careers. The concept builds upon a pilot program initiated last year, which allowed students from different areas to visit sites like the Boeun Ojanghwan Literary Museum and the Cheongju Printing Museum, enhancing cultural exchange and collaborative learning experiences across districts.

The learning centers take advantage of regional characteristics, such as history and arts in Cheongju, where students participate in educational excursions and workshops led by local artisans. Programs also offer experiences related to local industries and specialties, such as traditional seed farming and creating Korean musical instruments. Additionally, the initiative includes ‘Dream Growth Hubs,’ which utilize local museums as autonomous learning spaces, with potential expansions to include other educational facilities in the future, reflecting the Chungbuk Education Office's commitment to creating a framework for progressive and engaging local education.