Politics · South Korea · 16 hrs ago
South Korea's new elementary school enrollment expected to fall below 300,000
South Korea is expected to have fewer than 300,000 new elementary pupils in 2027, the first time enrollment has fallen below that mark.
The children entering first grade were born in 2020, when 272,337 babies were born, 10 percent fewer than the previous year.
This would come just three years after the number of new pupils fell below 400,000.
This year's intake was 301,442, the lowest level since records began in 1964.
The decline has raised concerns about school closures, especially in rural areas, and a widening gap in education between regions.
New first-grade enrollment is projected to keep falling until 2030, though it is expected to stay above 200,000.
Births rose in 2024 and 2025, a rebound that is expected to help keep future enrollment above that level.
South Korea is expected to have fewer than 300,000 children enter elementary school in the 2027 academic year for the first time.
The projected number of first graders, born in 2020, is linked to the country’s low birth rate.
A total of 301,442 students enrolled as elementary school freshmen in 2026, the lowest figure since records began in 1964.
The number of new first graders is projected to keep falling until 2030, while remaining above 200,000.
The shrinking school-age population has raised concerns about school closures, particularly in rural areas, and widening regional education gaps.
- Who
- Children entering elementary school in South Korea, including first graders born in 2020.
- What
- Enrollment for the 2027 academic year is expected to fall below 300,000 for the first time.
- When
- The forecast is for the 2027 academic year.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- The decline is linked to the country’s low birth rate and the small number of babies born in 2020.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
South Korea recorded 272,337 births, 10 percent fewer than a year earlier.
Births rose to 238,317 after years of decline.
Births rose to 254,341.
A total of 301,442 students enrolled as elementary school freshmen, the lowest level since records began in 1964.
The number of new first graders is expected to fall below 300,000.
The number of new first graders is projected to continue shrinking.
- 2027 academic year
- Expected new first graders: fewer than 300,000
- 2026 enrollment
- 301,442 elementary school freshmen
- 2020 births
- 272,337, down 10 percent from a year earlier
- Record start
- Related enrollment data have been compiled since 1964
- Births in 2024
- 238,317
- Births in 2025
- 254,341