South Korean cities to repurpose closed schools into community hubs

South Korean local governments and education offices have been selected for a joint cooperation project by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to repurpose closed schools into community hubs.

In Paju, the city and the Paju Education Support Office will transform the former Yeongjang Branch of Sinsan Elementary School into the ‘Yeongjang-ri Sunlight School’. With a budget of 2.2 billion won, the site will feature climate and energy ecological education spaces for students, alongside community facilities such as solar power experience zones, zero-energy educational spaces, and walking trails. The project aims for full operation by 2028.

In Naju, the Naju Education Support Office and Naju City will revitalize the former Munpyeong Nam Elementary School into the ‘Naju On (Warm) Space’. Supported by a total budget of 2.6 billion won, the project will expand the existing educational resource sharing center into a multi-purpose complex. Planned facilities include an ESG education center, rooftop solar installations, an eco-camping site, and sports facilities like futsal and park golf courses. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.