Over 4,000 schools shut down nationwide as student numbers plunge

More than 4,000 schools across South Korea have closed due to a steady decline in the student population. According to the Ministry of Education, 4,008 elementary, middle, and high schools have shut down nationwide. Most of these closures are elementary schools, showing that fewer children are entering the school system. More schools are expected to close in the coming years as enrollment continues to fall.

The main reason for this trend is Korea’s extremely low birthrate, which is the lowest in the world. Fewer births mean fewer students, especially in rural and provincial areas rather than in the capital region. Experts estimate that the number of students will drop by more than 800,000 within six years, a sharp decline compared to the 1980s when enrollment exceeded 10 million.

In addition to school closures, there is concern about how former school buildings are being managed. Hundreds of closed schools remain unused, with some abandoned for decades. Lawmakers warn that without proper planning, these unused facilities could become wasted public assets. Officials are urging the government to create long-term plans to reuse closed schools for community purposes.

Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20251228

Comprehension

How many schools have closed across South Korea?
Which type of school has closed the most?
What is the main reason for the decline in student numbers?
Where are school closures happening more often: cities or provincial areas?
Why are lawmakers concerned about closed school buildings?

Discussion

Why do you think a low birthrate affects schools so strongly?
How might school closures impact local communities?
What problems can unused school buildings cause?
Should the government keep small schools open even with few students? Why or why not?
How could closed schools be reused to benefit the community?

Vocabulary

Decline – a gradual decrease in number or size
Birthrate – the number of babies born in a population
Enrollment – the number of students registered in schools
Provincial – relating to areas outside major cities
Repurpose – to use something again in a new way