Ulsan-type 'Neulbom School' Expanded Operation... Open to All 1st-2nd Grade Elementary Students

Customized Dodam Dodam Program Provided Free for Two Hours Daily
Establishment of Dedicated System with Neulbom Support Director and Neulbom/Academic Administration Staff

The Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Cheon Chang-su) will expand the operation of Neulbom School this year to provide high-quality education and care services that satisfy students and parents.

Neulbom School is a comprehensive education and care program that integrates the existing after-school programs and elementary care classrooms, linking schools with community resources to support students' growth and development outside regular class hours.

Starting this year, support will be extended to allow any elementary students in grades 1 to 2 to participate, with plans to expand support to all elementary students by 2026. For other grades, the existing after-school programs and elementary care classrooms will be maintained to ensure parents' choice.

Neulbom School operates through a customized program called ‘Dodam Dodam,’ a ‘selective education program’ utilizing the existing after-school programs, and a ‘selective care program’ linked to the existing care classrooms.

Dodam Dodam, which was operated for first graders last year, will be expanded to second graders this year, providing free daily two-hour sessions of adaptation, play and experience, and learning activities.

The selective education program operates the same as the existing after-school programs. The selective care program offers rest and play-centered care linked to educational programs and is open to any interested elementary students in grades 1 to 2.

Applications for Dodam Dodam and the selective care program can be submitted at any time, while applications for the selective education program can be made through the Ulsan After-School Online Support System according to each school's plan.

Morning and evening Neulbom operations will also be activated. Morning Neulbom will be run either as programs reflecting each school's characteristics or as simple care, while evening Neulbom will be operated in connection with local governments and out-of-school spaces.

From 2025, a dedicated Neulbom School system will be established. The Neulbom Support Director, appointed in March, will manage 3 to 4 Neulbom Schools, and Neulbom and academic administration staff will support the operation and administrative tasks of Neulbom Schools.

A ‘Neulbom Council’ involving the Office of Education, local governments, and related organizations will be operated to strengthen school-community cooperation through university-linked Neulbom programs, community-linked Neulbom programs, and out-of-school care.

An official from the Ulsan Office of Education said, “With the expansion of Neulbom School, we will create an education and care environment where students and parents can participate with greater peace of mind,” adding, “We will support schools and communities to cooperate in providing higher-quality programs for students.”