South Korea Picks 43 Regions for Education Overhaul as Population Shrinks

November 3, 2026 - 08:20

South Korea has selected 43 regions for a new education reform initiative aimed at improving small schools, narrowing educational disparities and strengthening cooperation between local communities and schools. The program is a response to the country's declining population, which has left many rural areas facing shrinking student numbers and growing gaps in access to quality education.

Under the plan, the chosen regions will receive support to reorganize small schools and develop joint programs that share teachers, facilities and resources across neighboring districts. Education authorities said the goal is to keep schools viable in areas losing residents while giving students more varied learning options. The selected regions will also test new models for linking schools with local governments, businesses and community groups.

Officials described the initiative as a shift away from closing schools by default. Instead, the focus will be on cooperation and shared use of resources so that students in depopulated areas are not left behind. The 43 regions were chosen based on factors including population trends, the number of small schools and local willingness to take part.

The reform comes as South Korea grapples with one of the world's lowest birth rates, which has reduced the school-age population and forced authorities to rethink how education is delivered outside major cities. The government plans to monitor results in the selected regions and use the findings to shape broader policy. Local education offices will work with regional governments to draw up detailed plans in the coming months.