Preliminary Enrollment for New Students at Seoul Public Elementary Schools Begins on the 6th

On January 6 and 7, a total of 566 public elementary schools in Seoul (excluding three schools currently closed) will conduct the "2026 New Student Preliminary Enrollment" event over two days.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education on January 5, the number of children eligible to enroll in public elementary schools in Seoul this year, including those who deferred enrollment last year and those entering early, totals 51,265. This represents a decrease of about 5% compared to the previous year.

In principle, the preliminary enrollment requires a guardian to bring the school admission notice and attend the event at the designated elementary school together with the child. Taking into account the convenience of working parents and others, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has decided to operate the preliminary enrollment event from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If it is not possible to participate in the preliminary enrollment, parents should contact the designated school to proceed with non-face-to-face or alternative registration procedures.

On January 6, 2025, at Seoul Wonmyeong Elementary School in Seocho-gu, Seoul, a new student is submitting their school admission notice during the "New Student Preliminary Enrollment" event. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

If a child is unable to attend elementary school due to unavoidable reasons such as illness or developmental issues, the guardian may apply for an exemption or deferral of enrollment at the designated school.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education plans to cooperate with local education offices, schools, local governments, and the police to confirm the whereabouts and safety of children who do not attend the preliminary enrollment event.

Superintendent Chung Keunsik stated, "The preliminary enrollment for elementary school is the first step for children entering compulsory education, so I hope both children and parents will visit the school to thoroughly check the enrollment procedures and necessary information." He added, "The Office of Education will work closely with related agencies to ensure that all eligible children can enroll smoothly."