South Korea integrates AI into textbooks

South Korea is emerging as a regional model in digital transformation of education, with about 30% of high schools nationwide implementing digital textbooks integrated with artificial intelligence (AI).

A classroom using digital textbooks in South Korea. (Source: Nikkei Asia)

This is an important step within the framework of the National Reform Program launched by the Ministry of Education in March 2025.

The information was presented at the APEC 2025 Education Ministers Meeting, which recently took place in South Korea - the country holding the role of APEC Chair this year. At the Conference, South Korea also officially announced the application of digital textbooks for third-, fourth- and first-year secondary school students. Booths at the Conference introduced many teaching support technologies, from AI software for grading and commenting to a system for assigning personalized homework according to students' levels.

The transition, however, is not without its challenges. South Korean officials acknowledge that there are gaps in equipment between regions, and that many teachers have limited access to technology. Many teachers are also concerned about the burden of operating the new technology, while many parents are skeptical about whether digital textbooks will actually improve learning outcomes or just make students more dependent on electronic devices.

In response to the mixed opinions, the Korean National Assembly promptly adjusted its policy. Some subjects such as Korean language and home economics will continue to use paper textbooks; the implementation of digital textbooks in other subjects has been postponed. At the same time, more than 160,000 teachers will be retrained, and 1,200 digital teaching assistants will be deployed to support schools.

APEC economies participating in the Conference also pledged to promote personalized education using AI technology. Japan's representative, Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Takebe Arata emphasized: "Improving teacher quality is a core factor in digital transformation of education."

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/han-quoc-tich-hop-ai-vao-sach-giao-khoa-315156.html