A staggering 49 schools in South Korea, spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels, are set to close this year due to a sharp decline in the country’s school-age population. The closures, which span across 17 cities and provinces, are a stark reflection of the ongoing demographic crisis that has plagued the nation for years.
According to the South Korean Ministry of Education, the closures are a direct result of the country’s aging population and decreasing birth rates, which have led to a noticeable drop in the number of school-age children. This year alone, the country is witnessing an alarming surge in school closures, with 49 institutions slated to shut their doors by the end of 2025—nearly double the number that closed in 2023.
“Education in South Korea is facing an unprecedented challenge. We are witnessing a dramatic shift in demographics, and the consequences are clear in the increasing number of schools being shut down,” said Lee Ju-Ho, South Korea’s Minister of Education, in a statement issued on February 24. “The closures are not just a statistic but a reflection of the broader societal changes occurring in our nation.”
The Impact of Falling Birthrates on Education
The figures speak for themselves. In 2023, the number of school closures stood at 22. The following year, the number rose to 33, but the sharpest increase has been observed in 2025. Of the 49 schools that will close this year, the overwhelming majority—38 schools—are elementary schools, which represent the first stage of education in South Korea. Eight are middle schools, and three are high schools.
The closures are particularly impactful in rural areas, where the population decline has been more pronounced. According to government data, 88% of the schools slated for closure are located in these regions, where new enrollments have dried up. The problem is compounded by a general migration of younger families from the countryside to urban centers, further depleting rural school populations.
South Jeolla Province, located in the southern part of the country, is set to lose the highest number of schools, with 10 closures anticipated in 2025. South Chungcheong Province will see nine closures, while North Jeolla Province faces eight, and Gangwon Province is grappling with seven closures. However, areas surrounding the capital city, Seoul, appear to be faring somewhat better.
“There is no school facing closure in Seoul, and while Gyeonggi Province, the most populous province surrounding Seoul, will lose six schools, the situation here is not as dire as in other regions,” said Lee Ju-Ho.
A Deeper Look at the Crisis
South Korea has one of the world’s lowest birth rates, a trend that has persisted for over a decade. In 2024, the country’s fertility rate fell to a historic low of just 0.78 children per woman—well below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman needed to maintain a stable population. This alarming decline has created a ripple effect, not only in the education sector but also across the workforce and economy.
Experts predict that this downward trend will only accelerate in the coming years, with significant consequences for industries and public services reliant on a steady influx of younger generations. As a result, the government has been forced to grapple with the implications of a shrinking youth population, which threatens the sustainability of schools, businesses, and even the national economy.
For the education system, the closures present a unique set of challenges. “While some schools are closing due to low enrollment, others are consolidating or merging with nearby schools,” explained Dr. Choi Min-Jung, an education policy expert at Seoul National University. “This trend may impact the quality of education in smaller, rural areas. The lack of access to educational facilities could exacerbate inequalities in these regions.”
The Strain on Rural Communities
One of the most significant effects of this crisis is felt in South Korea’s rural regions, where the population has steadily declined over the past several decades. With fewer children born in these areas, many rural schools are unable to sustain their student populations, leading to their closure.
“The rural schools have always been at the heart of small communities,” said Lee Min-Soo, a former teacher at a middle school in South Jeolla Province. “The closure of these schools will have long-lasting effects. Not only will it deprive children of access to quality education, but it will also disrupt local economies, where schools often serve as community hubs.”
The closures are not just about education—they represent a deepening divide between urban and rural South Korea. While Seoul and other metropolitan areas continue to grow, rural regions face an ongoing population exodus. As cities become more populated and prosperous, the countryside struggles to survive, and its educational infrastructure is the first casualty.
Government Response and Future Outlook
In response to the rising number of school closures, the South Korean government has promised to support affected communities by providing financial aid for school reorganization and offering programs to help displaced students. However, critics argue that these measures may not be enough to reverse the damage.
“The government has implemented some solutions, but the scale of the problem is overwhelming,” said Jang Young-Hee, a sociologist at Korea University. “The fundamental issue is the population crisis, and until that is addressed, we are likely to see more school closures in the future.”
The government has already introduced policies aimed at boosting the birth rate, such as financial incentives for families with children and improvements in work-life balance. However, these initiatives have yet to show significant results. The reality is that, unless there is a major reversal in South Korea’s demographic trends, the education system will continue to face significant challenges.
In conclusion, the closure of 49 schools in South Korea is not merely a statistic—it is a symbol of a larger demographic crisis that threatens the fabric of the nation. With birth rates plummeting and rural communities struggling, South Korea finds itself at a crossroads. The government’s response to these challenges will determine the future of education and social stability in the years to come.
