S. Korea adds 180 schools despite losing 510,000 students over 6 yrs: data

What happened: South Korea added 180 elementary, middle and high schools over six years even as its student population fell, according to data cited by the Chosun Ilbo from the Korean Educational Development Institute. Key numbers: Students fell by 510,000, or 9.5 percent, from 5.35 million in 2020 to 4.84 million in 2026. Why it matters: The mismatch raises concerns about inefficient use of public education funds, with rural and older urban schools facing closure and consolidation talks. A professor warned the review system weighs project costs over demographic conditions.

South Korea added 180 elementary, middle and high schools over six years even as its student population fell, according to data cited by the Chosun Ilbo from the Korean Educational Development Institute.

The mismatch raises concerns about inefficient use of public education funds, with rural and older urban schools facing closure and consolidation talks. A professor warned the review system weighs project costs over demographic conditions.