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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World Our country, The population is shrinking at an accelerating Hongdo Island, Shinan, Jeollanam-do Abou t KIDI
pace—especially in remote and underdeveloped
island regions. Today, Korean society is grappling
the Republic of Korea, is
with the twin challenges of rapid depopulation and
an aging population. Island village schools are no
currently in a state of
exception. Many are in the midst of a desperate
“Our School Is on the Island”
fight to avoid permanent closure.
Population Emergency.
Faced with declining student numbers due to
low birth rates and population outflow, local Yuna Choi, Grade 5
governments, education offices, island residents—
even alumni—have joined forces to keep these “I wish the island smelled
schools alive. like fresh-baked bread!”
Eden Kim, Grade 4
Deep down, the community members and
supporters know the day may come when closure
is inevitable. But still, they press on. Because if
“I’m going to be a scientist
even one more person remembers their school,
who wins the Nobel Prize.”
remembers their small island village—that alone
makes it worth the effort. In 2024, the Korea Island Sebin Jeong, Grade 1
Development Institute (KIDI) visited Hongdo Island “I want to be a great teacher
in Shinan and Wonsando Island in Boryeong.
who’s admired by everyone!”

A View of the Hongdo Branch of Heuksan Elementary School,
Shinan-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province
Vol.03 Children from cities like Gimhae, Gimpo, and Haenam are now nurturing their dreams

on Hongdo Island. Their hopes—whether to become a teacher, scientist, pastry chef,
game developer, or YouTuber—are no different from their peers on the mainland. But
what will their school look like if they return someday, having fulfilled those dreams?
One school is turning a new page thanks to bold local policies. This is the story of the
Hongdo Branch of Heuksan Elementary School.

In 2023, with only three sixth-grade students set to graduate, the school was at risk of
permanent closure. But in 2024, a lifeline appeared: three new families moved to the
island, and their children enrolled. The school found new life.

At the center of this turnaround was Shinan-gun’s “Small School Revival Project,”
launched in 2023. To attract new families, the local government offered a package
of powerful incentives—housing, employment with salaries of around KRW 3 million,
and an annual child support allowance of KRW 800,000. As a result, six students were
admitted or transferred to Hongdo’s school.

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