Gangnam Girls' High School Site Transformed into Golden Land on City Outskirts... Apartment Developer Interested in Purchase
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Rumors about the relocation of 'Suncheon Gangnam Girls' High School' in Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do, are causing controversy among parents, school officials, alumni, and the local community.
The site of Gangnam Girls' High School, which is reportedly being acquired by a construction company to build apartments, is surrounded by nearby apartment complexes, making it an excellent location. It is also known as an optimal apartment construction site due to securing views of Jorye Lake Park.
Gangnam Girls' High School is scheduled to relocate before the new semester in March 2023, reportedly moving to the Shindae District, a new urban area.
As a result, red flags have been raised for residents of apartment complexes near Gangnam Girls' High School, as well as parents living in Geumdang, Yeonhyang, Jorye Districts, and Wangji Ungok District, and citizens hoping to enroll in Gangnam Girls' High School.
Established in 1984 in Jorye-dong, Suncheon City, Suncheon Gangnam Girls' High School has led the era of the girls' high school troika along with Suncheon Girls' High School and Maesan Girls' High School for 37 years.
At the time of its establishment, it was located on the outskirts away from the city center, but after 37 years, the location has transformed into a golden land, and with construction companies eager to purchase, it is analyzed that the private school corporation decided to relocate.
According to a post by the principal on the Gangnam Girls' High School website on November 30 last year, “Despite continuous investment and facility reinforcement, the school building is insufficient and outdated, and various difficulties are expected for operating student-choice curricula and smoothly implementing the high school credit system,” adding, “We are promoting a school relocation plan.”
In other words, this was the first official mention of the school relocation.
Regarding the relocation rumors of Suncheon Gangnam Girls' High School, a Jeollanam-do Office of Education official stated, “Various procedures, administration, and consent from the Jeollanam-do Office of Education are required for school relocation,” and added, “Consensus formation inside and outside the school, educational environment impact assessment of the relocation site, and completion of land purchase must precede.”
They also said, “We heard the rumors and checked, but nothing is clear yet.”
A Gangnam Girls' High School official responded cautiously to the relocation rumors, saying, “The school corporation board has not officially received any documents or letters yet.”
A citizen identified as an alumnus of Gangnam Girls' High School said, “We oppose the school relocation without consensus among alumni, the local community, parents, and faculty,” and added, “If the school is sold at will just because it is a private school, what will happen to our memories?”
As the relocation rumors of Gangnam Girls' High School approach reality, concerns are being raised about the impact on apartment pre-sale rights in Wangji 2 District and the need to avoid repeating past mistakes, such as when Suncheon City arbitrarily transferred the Samsan Middle School site to Jungheung Construction.
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