Seungbong Island residents protest: 'If the school closes, the island dies'

Reports said Seungbong Branch School had suspended operations because it had no pupils and had not reopened even after children who wished to enroll became available. Residents argued that losing the school would also make it difficult for families raising children to settle on the island.

The education office cited pupils' social development and the feasibility of sustaining the school. Accessible education for children on islands, the educational conditions of small schools, and plans for long-term operations all need to be considered together.