Visits begin at Jangpyeong and Jongam elementary schools, running through late October; feedback to shape 2027 education subsidy plans
Dongdaemun-gu said District Mayor Choi Dong-min visited Jangpyeong Elementary School and Jongam Elementary School on Tuesday, holding tea meetings to hear from teachers, staff and parents.
The district will follow up with visits to all 21 elementary schools in the area through late October.
The tour is designed to give the district a firsthand look at the different conditions and issues each school faces, and to incorporate the voices of school communities into the 2027 education subsidy plan.
At the two schools on the first day, teachers, parents and school council members gathered to discuss issues closely tied to school life, including facility improvements, commuting safety and support for field trips.
Both schools raised particular concern about hagwon vehicles waiting near school gates at dismissal time, saying the parked vans block sightlines for pedestrians and drivers alike and pose a safety risk for children on their way home.
Participants also called on the district to expand support for field trips so children can gain diverse experiences outside the classroom. Schools further requested practical, tailored support that matches each school's facilities and curriculum.
At each meeting, the district also briefs schools on how last year's requests were handled and outlines this year's education subsidy allocations. Newly raised needs — such as facility upgrades and educational program support — will be reviewed by the relevant departments and factored into the 2027 education subsidy plan.
Issues that cannot be resolved through education funding alone, such as commuting safety, will be addressed jointly by related departments and agencies.
"Every school has different facilities, and the difficulties children and parents face are different too, so it is important to go there in person and listen," Choi said. "I will make sure we hear from all 21 elementary schools without exception, and that the support most needed on the ground — from commuting safety to improving the learning environment — translates into real change."
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