How about stepping back in time to 1895? That’s when Seoul Jaedong Elementary School first opened its doors. This school is one of the first modern elementary education institutions in Seoul.
Seoul Jaedong Elementary School has a rich history. It began as 관립계동소학교. The name changed over the years. It became 관립재동보통학교 in 1906. Then 재동공립보통학교 in 1911. Later, it was 경성재동공립심상소학교 in 1938. And 경성재동공립국민학교 in 1941. Finally, it was named Seoul Jaedong Elementary School in 1996.
At one point over 4000 children studied here. Now the number has dropped to around 200. This is because South Korea’s population is decreasing. Fewer babies are born these days.
But smaller class sizes have some benefits. Teachers can give individual guidance. They can focus on each student’s skills and needs. Students’ stress levels have also declined.
In 1960 President Yoon Bo-seon visited Seoul Jaedong Elementary School. Kim Young-sam also visited the school in 1995. Seoul Jaedong Elementary School celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1995. In 2018 Seoul Jaedong Elementary School celebrated its 123rd anniversary.
Seoul Jaedong Elementary School has staved off closure for now. Education officials decided to offer diverse learning experiences. They use existing resources. This gives students more opportunities.
Seoul Jaedong Elementary School is near Bukchon Hanok Village. This is a special feature of the school. The school incorporates Korean traditions. Students wear Hanboks once a month. All students learn traditional Korean music. In 2018 a Hanok classroom opened.
The school’s flower is the 목련 which means magnolia. The magnolia symbolizes growth. It represents children growing with purity. The school’s tree is the 향나무 which means Juniper tree. The Juniper tree represents a strong will. It symbolizes children growing with a noble spirit.
Seoul Jaedong Elementary School is a place of history. It is a place of tradition. And it is a place of learning. The school continues to educate children. It prepares them for the future.