Affected by the sustained low birth rate, the school-age population in South Korea has sharply decreased, and local primary and secondary schools are facing the largest "closure wave" in history.
According to reports, Chen Shanmei, a member of the Education Committee of the South Korean National Assembly and a member of the Democratic Party, received a report on the "National School Closure Status" released by the Ministry of Education on the 23rd. The report shows that South Korea plans to shut down 49 primary and secondary schools in 17 regions this year, including 38 primary schools, 8 junior high schools, and 3 high schools, an increase of about 48.5% compared to last year. From a regional perspective, rural areas are more affected, with Jeollanam do having the highest number of closures, reaching 10. Chungcheongnam do has 9 closures, Jeollabuk do has 8 closures, and Gangwon do has 7 closures. Gyeonggi do will also close 6 schools, while Seoul has no schools among them.
At the same time, the number of first grade primary school enrollments in South Korea this year is less than 330000, hitting a historic low. Hundreds of primary schools are unable to enroll new students, among which 112 were "zero new students" last year, and it is expected to increase to over 180 this year. There are 42 primary schools in Gyeongsangbuk do alone, 32 in Jeollanam do, 25 in Jeollanam do, 26 in Gyeongsangnam do, and 21 in Gangwon do facing the dilemma of no new students enrolled. Song Jichang, an honorary professor of education at Sookmin Women's University in South Korea, expressed concern that the decrease in the school-age population could lead to school closures and even the disappearance of an area.
Not only primary and secondary schools, but also South Korean universities are facing the dilemma of declining student numbers. 90% of four-year universities are increasing enrollment, which has led South Korean society to call for a comprehensive reform of education policies. Many education experts believe that education policies should be adapted to changes in the school-age population, and suggest that targeted policies be formulated to improve the quality of education in various regions. Kim Dae hwan, a researcher at the Future Population Research Institute of the Korean Peninsula, pointed out that the decrease in school-age population caused by low birth rates is foreseeable, and it is necessary to adjust the education system. He proposed that the government guide the restructuring and reform of schools, such as establishing base style joint campuses or comprehensive schools. Professor Park Soo yi of Jinzhou University of Education believes that establishing a safe school environment and protection system, and creating a campus culture of respecting teachers and valuing morality are crucial. Instead of blindly shutting down schools, it is better to introduce targeted measures such as innovative education to ensure high-quality education.
In recent years, the South Korean government has taken many measures to promote the recovery of the school-age population. In 2024, in order to alleviate the pressure of working parents taking care of their children, the government will significantly expand the scope of after-school care services, improve the quality of care services, extend school care time, and increase service days. In addition, in the face of a decrease in domestic student sources and increasing financial pressure, South Korean universities have shifted their enrollment focus to international students and adult education students aged 25 and above, in order to maintain enrollment rates and financial stability.
(Editer：admin)
