Story perspectives

Over 4,000 Schools Closed Amid Declining Student Numbers

12/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Jin Sun-mee (Democratic Party) says falling student numbers closed more than 4,000 schools, including 3,674 elementary schools.
North Jeolla Province is expected to have the highest closures amid the population decline.
For the 2025 academic year, teaching positions were cut by 2,232.
Education offices are reducing class sizes and increasing the number of classes.
Jin Sun-mee calls for a long-term plan to repurpose closed schools for community use.

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Story summary

Rep. Jin Sun-mee (Democratic Party) says falling student numbers closed more than 4,000 schools, including 3,674 elementary schools.
North Jeolla Province is expected to have the highest closures amid the population decline.
For the 2025 academic year, teaching positions were cut by 2,232.
Education offices are reducing class sizes and increasing the number of classes.
Jin Sun-mee calls for a long-term plan to repurpose closed schools for community use.