Lee Hyuk-je, Jeonnam Provincial Councilor, "Concerns Over Educational Collapse Due to Decreasing Student Numbers in Mokpo"

Lee Hyuk-je, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-gyeong] Lee Hyuk-je, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Council (Mokpo), pointed out the sharp decline in elementary school entrants in Mokpo City and strongly demanded that the education authorities prepare countermeasures.

According to the "Annual Status of Elementary School Entrants in Mokpo City" data submitted by Councilor Lee Hyuk-je on the 21st, the number of elementary school entrants in Mokpo City has continuously decreased: 2,371 in 2020, 2,140 in 2021, and 2,059 in 2022. Furthermore, according to the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education's student placement standards for 2023 to 2025, the numbers are expected to sharply decline to 2,036 in 2023, 1,764 in 2024, and 1,570 in 2025.

In particular, the number of elementary school entrants in Mokpo City is predicted to decrease by 801 (34 percentage points) from 2,371 in 2020 to 1,570 in 2025, which is expected to be the largest decrease among cities of similar scale.

Following Mokpo City, Yeosu City is expected to decrease by 536 (23 percentage points) from 2,245 in 2020 to 1,709 in 2025; Suncheon City by 480 (18 percentage points) from 2,556 in 2020 to 2,076 in 2025; Naju City by 109 (7 percentage points) from 1,431 in 2020 to 1,322 in 2025; and Gwangyang City by 50 (5 percentage points) from 980 in 2020 to 930 in 2025.

Notably, Mokpo S Elementary School has no new entrants this year and only one expected next year. Among the 33 elementary schools in the Mokpo area, five schools have fewer than 10 entrants this year. (Mokpo S Elementary 0, Mokpo BG Elementary 9, Mokpo Y Elementary 10, Mokpo L Elementary 9, Mokpo I Elementary 9)

Only seven schools have more than 100 entrants this year, with Mokpo BR Elementary in the Yonghae district having the highest number at 179, all located near apartment-dense areas.

Councilor Lee Hyuk-je stated, "Analyzing the data on elementary school entrants in Mokpo City, the number this year is 2,059, a 17% decrease (431 fewer students) compared to 2,490 in 2012, ten years ago," adding, "By 2025, it is expected to sharply decline to 1,570, raising concerns about a chain collapse in middle and high school education, so the education authorities need to prepare accordingly."

He continued, "This year, the admission capacity of 15 high schools in Mokpo city is 2,354. In ten years, due to a shortage of entrants, there may be an era where four high schools in Mokpo have zero new students," and added, "Mokpo's structure inevitably leads to a sharp decline in student numbers due to low birth rates and the development of Namak New Town. At times like this, interest and investment in education must be further expanded."

Furthermore, he emphasized, "If education thrives, the local economy can also thrive. Now, through educational economy, we must catch two rabbits: attracting population inflow and revitalizing the local economy," and warned, "If the number of classes is reduced just to maintain high schools, excessive competition due to concerns about grade disadvantages will devastate school education and increase dependence on private education."