South Korea has announced a new plan to integrate artificial intelligence(AI) into education to expand digital access and cultivate new talent in the field.

The Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it plans to increase the number of class hours devoted to AI education in elementary and middle schools and bolster support for scientific high schools and schools for gifted students.
 
The additional hours will help students develop AI literacy, the ministry said, and will include the use of AI education materials in class and in after-school programs, including hands-on activities.
 
Under the plan, the number of AI-focused schools will grow from the current 730 to two thousand by 2028, while the number of science high schools and schools for the gifted that offer specialized courses will increase from 14 to 27 next year.
 
To promote early AI training, the government will create a fast-track for students seeking AI-related bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, allowing postgraduate programs to be completed in as few as 5.5 years.
 
The government will also grant incentives, including funding, to AI-related researchers with doctorates.
 
To integrate AI into higher education, 10 universities will also offer a “boot camp” for talented students in high-tech fields next year.

In addition, the ministry will include AI in continuing and adult education to promote lifelong learning.