22 Schools Near Kumho Tire Fire Maintain Normal Attendance

Gwangju Office of Education: "No Direct Damage... Indoor Classes Recommended"
Ongoing Air Quality Checks... Schedule Decisions Left to Schools

The Gwangju Office of Education announced on May 19 that schools near the Kumho Tire factory in Gwangju are operating on a normal academic schedule.

On the morning of the 17th, black smoke soared into the sky due to a fire at the Kumho Tire factory in Gwangsan District, Gwangju. Photo by Song Bohyun

On the morning of the same day, the Office of Education dispatched one supervisor to each of the 22 kindergartens, elementary, middle, high, and special schools located within a 2-kilometer radius of the factory where a large fire broke out, conducting on-site inspections in line with school start times.

The inspection found that there was no direct fire damage to the schools. However, concerns were raised about potential health risks to students due to smoke and dust. Accordingly, the Office of Education recommended that all schools maintain normal attendance but focus on indoor educational activities. School principals were given the flexibility to adjust academic schedules as needed based on local conditions.

An official from the Office of Education stated, "We will continue to monitor indoor air quality at schools for the time being and consider additional measures depending on the results. We will also provide support for facility damage, psychological support for trauma, and establish future response systems."