Jeonnam Province in South Korea is seeing positive trends in youth health, with indicators improving for three consecutive years, according to a recent survey. The findings, released by the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education on February 18, 2026, reveal increases in physical activity and decreases in adolescent obesity and smoking rates. This marks a significant step forward in the region’s efforts to prioritize the well-being of its students and offers a model for other areas grappling with similar health challenges. The improvements reach as a result of a concerted effort to integrate physical activity into daily routines and promote healthier lifestyles among young people.
The ‘Youth Health Behavior Survey’, a nationally approved statistical survey jointly conducted annually by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the Ministry of Education, provides a comprehensive overview of student health trends across the country. The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education highlighted the specific gains within its region, demonstrating a clear positive trajectory. This data is crucial for informing public health policies and allocating resources effectively to support youth wellness.
Increased Physical Activity Levels
One of the most notable improvements is the increase in students engaging in regular physical activity. The survey data shows that the percentage of students exercising for at least 60 minutes a day, five or more days a week, rose from 14.5% in 2023 to 19.4% in 2024, remaining steady at 17.4% in 2025. This places Jeonnam fourth nationally in this metric. Even more encouraging is the rise in high-intensity physical activity, with participation increasing from 37.3% in 2023 to 42.2% in 2025, securing Jeonnam the top ranking in the country for this category.
Decline in Obesity and Smoking Rates
Alongside increased activity, the survey also revealed a decrease in adolescent obesity rates, falling from 25.4% in 2024 to 23.3% in 2025. Officials attribute this positive change to the expansion of physical education classes and a growing awareness among students regarding the importance of exercise. The success of initiatives like the ‘stretching project’ – which incorporates morning exercise into the school day – alongside “niche exercise,” school sports clubs, and village-linked physical activity programs, has been instrumental in making exercise a consistent habit rather than an occasional event. Collaboration with 22 city/county sports associations has also been a key factor in this success.
the current smoking rate among youth in Jeonnam has decreased for three consecutive years, dropping from 5.7% in 2023 to 3.4% in 2025. This decline signals a broader shift towards healthier lifestyle choices among students and a positive school atmosphere. The consumption of sweet beverages three or more times a week also saw a significant reduction, decreasing from 68.3% in 2023 to 57.4% in 2025, indicating the effectiveness of nutrition education programs.
Impact on School Climate and Safety
The positive changes in health behaviors are having a ripple effect on the overall school environment. Increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles are contributing to reduced stress levels, improved emotional stability, and enhanced communication and cooperation among students. Notably, the number of school violence incidents in Jeonnam decreased by approximately 5% (119 cases) in 2025 compared to the previous year, suggesting a correlation between physical well-being and positive social interactions.
A Sustainable Approach to Student Wellness
Building on these successes, the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education is transitioning its physical activity policy into a long-term, sustainable student health management system. A key component of this strategy is the development of customized programs tailored to the specific needs of Jeonnam schools. A physical activity analysis support group, comprised of teachers from elementary, middle, and high schools across the province, has created resources such as the ‘Physical Activity Guidebook for Applying Basic Movements’ and a platform for sharing best practices in physical education and health classes. These resources are scheduled for distribution to schools in February.
the office plans to strengthen collaboration between health, nutrition, and physical education teachers to ensure a holistic approach to student well-being. This integrated system aims to comprehensively assess and address the health status of each student, creating a novel model for school-based health management. Park Jae-hyun, head of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education’s Physical Education and Health Department, stated that the survey results demonstrate the effectiveness of the region’s youth health policies and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to providing ongoing support to schools, ensuring they become spaces that prioritize the physical and mental health of all students.
The positive trends in Jeonnam Province offer valuable insights for other regions seeking to improve the health and well-being of their student populations. By prioritizing physical activity, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering a supportive school environment, Jeonnam is demonstrating a commitment to investing in the future health of its youth. The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education will continue to monitor these trends and adapt its strategies as needed, ensuring that the gains made in recent years are sustained and expanded upon.
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