Did you know that Gaepo Middle School stands in the heart of Gaepo-dong? This ward is part of the Gangnam District in Seoul. It is south of Dogok-dong and Daechi-dong. Gaepo-dong is divided into three sections. These are Gaepo 1, 2, and 4 dong. Gaepo 3-dong merged with Gaepo 2-dong in 2009.
Gaepo Middle School is not alone in this district. Several other schools also call Gaepo-dong home. Among them are Daejin Elementary School, Gaeil Elementary School and Gaepo Elementary School. Gaewon Elementary School, Kuryong Elementary School, and Seoul Poi Elementary School are nearby too. And let us not forget Yangjon Elementary School. For older students, there is also Gaewon Middle School. Kuryong Middle School and Gugak National High School are also options. Gaepo High School and Kyunggi Girls’ High School are also located here. Sudo Electric Technical High School and Korea International School round out the educational landscape.
Once upon a time, the Japanese School of Seoul was here too. But around 2010, it moved to Digital Media City.
Now picture this: It is June 15th. The air buzzes with anticipation at Guryong Middle School. A special ceremony is about to begin. It is the Inaugural Ceremony of Guryong Green School. The goal is to tackle climate change. This is one of the biggest problems facing mankind.
The event is sponsored by Green Start. This is affiliated with the Ministry of Environment. Daejayon organized the event. The ceremony starts with a signing. Then comes the signboard hanging. Finally, the inaugural ceremony itself. The whole school is determined to become a Green School.
Students listen to an environmental lecture. They learn about climate disasters. The lecture includes content about the Earth’s environment. It is called “Daejayon Report.” The students pay attention. They understand the climate change crisis. They are willing to act.
There are additional events too. A panel exhibition shows climate change information. Students write green promise messages. They also add their palm signatures.
Daejayon does not stop here. They also hold Inaugural Ceremonies of Green Schools at Daecheong Middle School and Daemyeong Middle School. These three schools set energy-saving targets. They carry out energy-saving movements. There are also environmental special lectures. Green School education programs are held too. These programs aim to train global environmental leaders.
The gifted class of Guryong Middle School forms a club. It is called “Little Daejayon.” They act as environmental protectors of Green School. They also take environmental education from university student teachers.
Speaking of notable people, did you know that Jeon So-yeon was born in Gaepo-dong? She is a singer-songwriter, rapper, dancer, and K-pop idol. She is the leader and a member of the K-pop girl group (G)I-dle. Kim Chaewon is also from here. She is a singer, dancer, and K-pop idol. She is the leader and member of girl group Le Sserafim. She was also a member of Iz*One.
So, as you stand before Gaepo Middle School, remember its place in a community of learning. Also remember that this community is the birthplace of K-pop talent.