Chuncheon City Accelerates Revitalization of Original Downtown Elementary Schools with Broader School Districts

Increase in New Students at Hyoje and Dongchuncheon Elementary Schools Revitalizes Original Downtown Schools
Expansion of AI, English-Specialized, and Care Programs Boosts Satisfaction Among Parents and Students
Balanced Educational Development Between New and Original Downtown Districts Through Broader School District Policy

The "Better Original Downtown+ School Revitalization Project" promoted by Chuncheon City, Gangwon Province (Mayor Yuk Donghan), is yielding tangible results and bringing new vitality to the local community. In addition, plans are underway to implement a broader school district policy for original downtown schools, which is expected to further accelerate the influx of students and the improvement of educational environments.

Chuncheon City Hall exterior. Provided by Chuncheon City.

Since last year, Chuncheon City has been allocating an annual budget of 500 million won, focusing on Hyoje Elementary School and Dongchuncheon Elementary School. Hyoje Elementary School is operating programs such as creating an English-specialized school, one-on-one video English lessons with native speakers, and the "English Neulbom" program. Dongchuncheon Elementary School is running initiatives including establishing an AI-specialized school, building ICT-based smart learning rooms, and offering horseback riding and ice skating programs. These efforts aim to revitalize the educational environment in the original downtown area, which has faced challenges due to a declining school-age population and a concentration of residents in new urban districts, and to reduce educational disparities between regions.

As a result, Hyoje Elementary School saw a noticeable increase in both the number of new students and classes compared to the previous year. Last year, there were only 11 first graders, forming a single class, but this year, the number rose to 25, allowing for two classes. Dongchuncheon Elementary School also improved its enrollment rate. Last year, only 21 out of 32 eligible children enrolled, resulting in a 66% enrollment rate, but this year, 22 out of 29 children enrolled, raising the rate to 76%.

The city believes that a variety of educational programs and support measures at original downtown schools have influenced the choices of local parents and students. The increase in new students is not the only achievement; there is also a growing positive perception of the original downtown area.

The Chuncheon Office of Education is soon expected to issue an administrative notice regarding the creation of elementary school districts in Chuncheon City, which will reflect the expansion of school districts for original downtown schools.

Lee Jaekyung, Director of the City’s Education City Division, stated, "The achievements seen at Hyoje Elementary School and Dongchuncheon Elementary School demonstrate that original downtown schools can indeed be competitive," adding, "We will continue to expand customized programs and improve facilities at original downtown schools to achieve balanced educational development with the new urban districts."

Yuk Donghan, Mayor of Chuncheon City, said, "Original downtown schools are more than just educational spaces; they are the roots that preserve the values of the local community. Through the expansion of school districts, we will support more students in freely choosing original downtown schools and continue to bring about changes that citizens can truly feel."