Namyangju Simseok Elementary School Achieves Grand Prize at 2026 World Creative Problem Solving Olympiad National Selection Competition
[News S=Reporter Um In-yong] Namyangju Simseok Elementary School (Principal Lee Hyeon-jin) achieved the honor of winning both the Grand Prize and the Global Leader Award at the '2026 Odyssey of the Mind World Korea National Representative Selection Competition' held on the 14th (Saturday) at Kyung Hee University's International Campus Seonseung Hall.
This competition was organized to cultivate creative thinking and problem-solving skills in students who will lead future society. Amid fierce competition among excellent teams from across the nation, Simseok Elementary School participated with a total of 2 teams, fully demonstrating the creative convergence capabilities they have developed.
As a result of the competition, the 'SIMSEOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL' team (5th graders Lee Ji-yu, Jung Ha-yun / 4th graders Go Ga-eun, Na Jung-won, Park Eun-seo, Oh Se-jun / Instructors Go Dae-won, Lee Min-jae) showcased original ideas and perfect teamwork in Challenge 1 'Off the Rails' category and won the 'Grand Prize,' the top award of the competition.
Additionally, the 'KNAK CREW' team (4th graders Go Ju-eon, Kim Min-sung, Ryu Ha-seung, Park Jae-won, Seo Yun-seul, Lee Jae-a / Instructor Kang Ji-yun) received recognition for their outstanding creativity and artistry in Challenge 2 'Lost in OMER Land' category and achieved the distinction of winning the 'Global Leader Award.'
Following its 7th place finish at the 2025 World Competition, Simseok Elementary School dominated this year's national representative selection competition as well, once again proving its standing as a traditional powerhouse in creative education.
Meanwhile, the Simseok Elementary School teams that won awards at this competition will participate as Korea's representatives in the World Creative Problem Solving Olympiad (Odyssey of the Mind World Final) to be held in the United States in May, competing in creativity with students from around the world.
Principal Lee Hyeon-jin stated, "The process of students defining problems themselves, cooperating, and finding solutions holds great educational significance," and added, "We will not be satisfied with the achievement of 7th place in the world in 2025, and we will continue to provide full support in creating creative convergence education environments so that students can grow into global leaders."