Seoul Banpo Elementary School

At Seoul Banpo Elementary School, a simple smile can change the world. This isn’t just a school. It’s a training ground for future global leaders, nestled right here in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Seoul Banpo Elementary School emphasizes not just academics but also character development, under the motto “Wise, Honest, and Healthy Children”. Principal Lee Sun-bae, a warm and welcoming presence, champions the importance of smiling, greeting, and praising. He believes a smile brings happiness and good luck. Greeting fosters respect and strong relationships. Praising, though challenging, is nurtured within the students. Seoul Banpo Elementary School also understands the power of self-discipline. Students are encouraged to set goals, make plans, and achieve them independently. This fosters self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment, preparing them to embrace future challenges with courage. Every morning, the playground bursts with energy as students run, ensuring a healthy start to their day. Seoul Banpo Elementary School boasts a unique English education program. Students create video clips, showcasing their English skills in various scenarios, from conversations with family to cooking demonstrations. These “User Created Contents” (UCC) videos are then entered into a school-wide contest. Every Saturday morning, the entire school gathers to watch these videos. It’s a fun, engaging way to learn and celebrate each other’s progress. Principal Lee recalls one particularly memorable video where a student told a captivating story to his younger brother, all in English. Beyond video projects, Seoul Banpo Elementary School offers practical English learning in its dedicated English Zone. After-school classes, led by native English teachers, cater to different skill levels, providing a supportive environment for students to express themselves and learn useful everyday expressions.