Seoul Dongdap Elementary School

Have you ever imagined needing a reservation to visit your own child at school? At Seoul Dongdap Elementary School, this is the new reality. A sign at the gate instructs visitors to make appointments through KakaoTalk. A banner overhead declares, “Reinforcing visitor regulations, including for parents.” This pilot program, implemented in late 2023 at Seoul Dongdap Elementary and 67 other Seoul schools, aims to protect teachers and regulate access. The policy arose after a tragic incident involving a young teacher and alleged parental harassment. Seoul Dongdap Elementary School’s vice principal noted that before this system, some parents would disrupt classes by following their children inside and even peering into classrooms. The new system has largely put a stop to that. Starting in October 2024, this reservation system expanded to over a thousand Seoul schools. Parents must now receive approval before entering school grounds. This change has sparked mixed reactions. Some applaud the protection it offers teachers, while others worry about schools becoming less accessible. A Seoul Teachers Union survey revealed a largely positive impact on teaching, with a similar sentiment echoed in a Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education survey. However, not all feedback has been glowing. Some staff at Seoul Dongdap Elementary School and other participating schools have called for stricter enforcement and better communication with parents, many of whom are still unaware of the system. Technical issues, such as real-time notifications overwhelming teachers with every visit request, also need addressing. The system has also been criticized for its lack of clear verification procedures, as some parents reportedly book visits with one staff member and then visit another. While parents generally support school safety, many question the necessity of such strict measures. Some express concerns about grandparents who might struggle with the technology. Despite these challenges, Seoul Dongdap Elementary School and other schools in Seoul continue to adapt to this new system, seeking a balance between safety and accessibility. The debate underscores the evolving relationship between parents, teachers, and schools in today’s world.