The Smallest School in Korea Photo

Photographer’s Note

Well it might not be, but with a grand total of 8 students in the whole school it's a strong candidate.

This isn't a private academy, it's Uirydong Middle School. 20 years ago the school had close to 250 students, but the mass migration to the cities, a lower birth rate (and other issues) have lowered the student numbers somewhat.

The school has 8 students, and 10 teachers, and 5 staff members. I wanted to get everyone in the same shot, but wasn't able to, so here is Grade 3, and their homeroom teacher. You'll notice that they aren't wearing any kind of uniform. Where as in the city students do, out in the country it's sometimes optional.

I also wanted to include some things that you'll see in most public school classrooms - the blackboard (wood) the TV (more like a monitor) and the Korean flag in the middle of the wall.

siolaw, kevinos, startacked, david, triptych2003, ChrisJ, digi-mom, lappino, PixelTerror has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

siolaw (25882) 2006-06-19 8:41

Hi Will,
An apparently quiet school to be in! Good sharpness and colors and an interesting subject, in France coutryside also they had to close many schools and post offices for lack of people ...
The villages are getting desert nowadays,... sad situation!
cheers
Laurent

kevinos (6927) 2006-06-19 12:13

A nice picture and a good document. You've managed to catch them looking relaxed and as though not posing (though I suppose they are)
The color is nice and fresh too. Your personal bio is very spare. I do like to know something about the photographers whose pictures appear here. It increased the enjoyment of them.

startacked (1286) 2006-06-19 14:30

Hi Will,

Thanks for giving us a peek of a South-Korean classroom. Interesting note. TFS, Gilbert

david (3978) 2006-06-19 19:31

hey steve

how on earth did you end up here???

good shot, definitely in the 'learning' about the world side of TE. sad, though, to see schools so small in the country when schools in the city are overflowing.

that's the ingrained belief in korea. unless you go to a big public school, you can't get into university.

jinju (14265) 2006-06-20 3:34

Damn, if it wasnt for the location, I would consider that a dream job:) Seriously, Uiryeong isnt my kinda place but to havd 8 students to teach would be awesome. is this where you work? Id love to hear how many hours a week you actually teach.

triptych2003 (1426) 2006-06-20 4:19

great note.. a really nice shot too. very natural poses. sounds like a great job if you can get it.. thanks for sharing

ChrisJ (70485) 2006-06-22 6:17

I'm in Boebwon Eup, which has 800 students & is classified as a small country town. InterestiNg to see some similarities. Tfs!

jrj (34779) 2006-09-13 9:21

hi will
I like this shot of the small school. The 'posing' of the people is very 'classic' and suitable for this photo and notes. Well disposed compo.

PixelTerror (87159) 2006-10-21 4:59

Hi Will,
Nice view that has good "Learn about the world" value to me, I'm particularly impressed by the screen, having such a device for such a small classroom sounds like science fiction as seen from faraway France ;-)
Have a nice week end,
Jean-Yves