Troy K Edu E1757009112839 — The Korean delegation from the province of Jeollanamdo in South Korea traveled to Troy for the ceremony. (Troy University)

Last week, Troy University cut the ribbon on the new Jeonnam Glocal K-EDU Center—an on-campus Korean education center.

The project comes from a collaborative effort between the Jeollanamdo Office of Education in the Republic of Korea and TROY. The center will provide a globally-connected education.

“There is a Korean proverb that says, ‘Nothing is achieved without friendship,’ and I can think of no better example than the friendship that has been forged between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America. Korea is a vibrant country—we hope this alliance will mirror the alliance between our countries and extend well into the future.”
Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Troy University Chancellor

The K-EDU Center offers different resources for students, teachers and the surrounding communities.

Jeonnam Glocal K-EDU Center

Unnamed File — Jeonnam Glocal K-EDU Center (Troy University)

The K-EDU Center is a glocal (global and local) education platform that aims to connect Jeonnam’s educational strengths with the world through programs such as educational and cultural exchange, career and industry networking and K-culture experience.

The university says the program isrounded in the unique characteristics of the Jeollanamdo region, providing globally connected education and leading the way in the era of Korea’s signature “K-Education.”

For students, the Center offers:

Blended online/offline sports education program linked to Korea’s high school credit system with J-Glocal EDU Campus
Tailored ESL program where students will learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama
Participation in an internship program with Korean companies in the United States
Experiences in Korean culture through learning about:
- Hangul (the Korean alphabet)
- Hanbok (traditional clothing)
- Taekwondo
- Kimchi

For teachers, the goal is to “empower educators to be leaders in global education” through a Glocal Teaching Program designed to strengthen teacher’s international education and glocal leadership competency.

“Education matters. Not only to transmit knowledge, but to shape how we live and understand one another. Education compels us to ask, ‘What does it mean to live with a purpose?’ It empowers us to build a world of coexistence and respect. Our Jeollanamdo Office of Education is cultivating future leaders to meet the challenges of our time. This is not just the opening of a physical space, but a radiant moment where culture, education, history and future converge.”
Dr. Dae-Joong Kim, Jeollanamdo Office of Education Governor of Education

Troy hopes the Center will help facilitate a global network connecting industry and educational partners.

The partnership was first established in July 2019 with an agreement establishing the Jeonnam Physical Education High School. In February 2020, the partnership expanded to create the Jeonnam Physical Education High School International Exchange Program.

In May 2024 at the Korea Glocal Future Education Fair, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed establishing a glocal physical education network between the Jeollanamdo Office of Education and TROY.

“The Center will not just be a place to learn the Korean language or experience its culture. It will honor the journey of Korean education, the values we have embraced and the innovations we continue to pioneer. We want students here to not just learn a language or culture, but to learn more about humanity and how we’re all connected.”
Dr. Dae-Joong Kim, Jeollanamdo Office of Education Governor of Education

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