470 People Gathered Over 4 Days, Closing Registration... The 'Spectacular Transformation' of a Closed School That Many Want to Visit But Can't

Converted Closed School into Planting Site with Free Distribution
'Closed School Riding' and 'Closed School Exploration' Also Popular

As the population declines and empty schools increase nationwide, a culture of consuming closed schools as a form of content is gaining popularity among young people. Experts say that the unique atmosphere of closed schools provides a fresh stimulus to the younger generation, but they advise that long-term utilization plans need to be considered.

An abandoned school in Andong, Gyeongbuk, where a 'Closed School Invitation Event' was held for four days last month. Photo provided by the event organizer.

According to a plant enthusiast community cafe, a 'Closed School Invitation Event' was held from the 24th to the 27th of last month at a closed school in Andong-si, Gyeongbuk. Invited members shared free cherry tomatoes, Shine Muscat grapes, bananas, papayas, and more in a garden renovated from the old closed school, fed animals in the open space, and spent time eating together at the camping site. About 470 people attended the event over four days, with reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

A member of the community who attended the event said, "I drove four hours from Seoul to come to the closed school, and feeling the lush nature in the wide open space made all my fatigue disappear," adding, "I usually enjoy growing various plants, and I think the closed school is the perfect place. It’s a space that feels warm, not scary or eerie."

An abandoned school in Andong, Gyeongbuk, where a 'Closed School Invitation Event' was held for four days last month. Provided by the event organizer

Bicycle and motorcycle riding clubs are actively organizing 'Closed School Riding' routes centered around closed schools nationwide. In regions with many empty schools such as Gangwon-do, Jeonnam, and Gyeongbuk, riders finish their rides and then have meals and spend the night at nearby closed schools. Club members share reviews and recommended closed school lists on their communities. Additionally, cafes, museums, art galleries, and camping sites created by renovating closed schools are also actively shared on social networking services (SNS).

Im Hyerin (32), an office worker living in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, said, "Recently, I went on a date with my boyfriend to a closed school in Boeun, Chungbuk. From the outside, it looked like a school, but inside it was a lush botanical garden cafe," adding, "There was also a space outside where you could experience farming, so it was a special and unique date that I had never experienced in Seoul."

Experts see that the unique atmosphere of closed schools, where natural and artificial elements coexist, provides a fresh stimulus to young people. However, they caution that this could be a short-term phenomenon and that authorities need to consider more long-term utilization plans for closed schools. According to each provincial office of education, as of March this year, there are 3,955 closed schools nationwide, and the number has been increasing every year since the data was first collected.

Culture critic Ha Jae-geun explained, "Closed schools give both a romantic and eerie feeling, and this dual atmosphere seems to appeal to young people," adding, "It has become fresh content for young people who want to turn anything new into content."

Culture critic Park Ji-jong also said, "Since most closed schools are located outside the metropolitan area, the physical spaces are much larger and more nature-friendly. Moreover, closed schools have a certain loneliness, eeriness, and unique atmosphere," analyzing, "The content of closed schools has touched the desire of young people seeking novelty, and this has been actively shared on SNS, gaining popularity." However, he added, "I think it’s a positive phenomenon in that people are trying various things, but trends will eventually pass. Authorities must seriously consider what can be done sustainably."