"Despite Population Growth in Gangbuk,
Educational Facilities Remain Concentrated in Gangnam"
Beomsu Lee, a councilor of Gongju City Council in South Chungcheong Province (People Power Party, representing the Euidang, Jeongan, Singwan, and Wolsong constituencies), urged the city and the Office of Education to respond swiftly, stating during a five-minute speech at the 258th temporary session of the Gongju City Council on April 18, 2025, that "school reallocation within Gongju can no longer be postponed."
Councilor Lee referred to the "Gongju School Reallocation Policy Forum" held in the main chamber of Gongju City Hall on April 3, noting, "A greater number of citizens and education officials attended than expected, which confirmed both the high level of public interest and consensus on this issue."
He further pointed out, "Despite the continuous population growth in the Gangbuk area, educational facilities remain concentrated in Gangnam, resulting in a significant commuting burden for students and parents."
He also argued, "There are problems with aging school facilities, most of which are over 50 years old, and at the same time, both a decline in the school-age population and overcrowding in certain areas are occurring. Reallocation is no longer an option but a necessity."
Councilor Lee explained, "While two elementary schools in the Gangbuk area have a total of 1,752 students, the seven schools in Gangnam have only 986 students. In some middle schools, more than 90% of the students commute from Gangbuk to Gangnam."
He particularly emphasized, "A school is not just a building, but the center of the local community and a space that determines the future of our children." He proposed: ▲ the prompt establishment of a basic plan for school reallocation, ▲ discussions on reallocation focused on commuting safety and educational activities, and ▲ the development of utilization plans for schools subject to closure or relocation.
Councilor Lee stressed, "Reallocation is not simply a physical move, but a process to prepare for the future of education in Gongju. The city and the Office of Education should form a task force and proceed with a sense of urgency."
He added, "I will continue to pay close attention to ensure that the will of the citizens, as confirmed in this forum, is practically reflected in administration, and I will continue to speak out to create an educational environment worthy of a premier education city."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
