The Village Gathers Again on the Same Playground After 90 Years

Bonryang Elementary in Gwangsan-gu Celebrates 90th Anniversary on July 10
Pungmulpae Parade and Alumni Photo Exhibition Held Together

Under the banner "Let's Protect Nature," students of Bonryang Elementary School are conducting environmental cleanup activities on the playground. Provided by Bonryang Elementary School

Under the banner reading "Let's Protect Nature," children swept up dust with their brooms. In the fall of 1978, students at Bonryang Elementary School were conducting an environmental campaign on the playground. The faded black-and-white photograph captures not only the children but also the wind and the sounds of commands from that day. Now, 90 years later, the sound of drums once again echoed across the same playground of the same school.

On the morning of July 10, Bonryang Elementary School in Gwangsan-gu held a ceremony in celebration of its 90th anniversary at Yongjingwan (the auditorium) and throughout the school grounds. The event, attended by about 100 people including students, faculty, parents, alumni, and local residents, was themed "90 Years of History, a Leap Toward 100 Years." It featured a pungmulpae (traditional percussion band) parade, student art performances, and congratulatory performances.

A group of Bonryang Elementary School students carrying a placard that reads "Righteous Mind, Cheerful Society" as they walk to school together. Provided by Bonryang Elementary School

Established in 1935 as Bonryang Public Ordinary School, Bonryang Elementary has long served as a place of learning and the heart of the village. During the 1970s and 1980s, when it functioned as a model of rural education, children marched along dirt roads carrying placards that read "Righteous Mind, Cheerful Society," and on Sports Day, the entire village would gather to applaud them.

At the event, an alumni photo exhibition brought these memories back to life. Cho Dohyun, chair of the Alumni Association Preparatory Committee (26th graduating class), said, "In this small school, learning, friendship, and a sense of community took root. I am proud that so many people began their journeys here over the past 90 years." Notable graduates of Bonryang Elementary include the late Father Cho Bio (13th graduating class), who dedicated himself to uncovering the truth of the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, and Song Byungtae, former mayor of Gwangsan-gu (13th graduating class).

Jeongseon Lee, Superintendent of Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 90th anniversary ceremony of Bonryang Elementary School. Provided by Bonryang Elementary School

Principal Kim Jungwoo stated, "We will continue to move forward together with the community to create a school where children can learn and grow happily." Lee Jeongseon, Superintendent of Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, said, "Despite the challenges of a declining student population, this school has been preserved through the efforts of faculty, parents, and the local community. We will continue to promote the value of small schools and provide our full support."

Recently, Bonryang Elementary received the Grand Prize at the 2024 Gwangju School Autonomy Best Practices Contest for its efforts to revitalize small rural schools. The school is now experiencing a gradual increase in new and transferring students. This year, the total student body consists of 32 elementary students and 5 kindergarteners.

On Sports Day, a student from Bonryang Elementary School is receiving a certificate from the principal. Courtesy of Bonryang Elementary School

The dirt path beside the school gate has now been paved, and where children once rode bicycles to and from school, parents' cars now take their place. On this day, the pungmulpae marked the start of the 90th anniversary ceremony by marching from the auditorium to the playground.