Record High 8,399 Schools Suspended Attendance... 90% of Schools in the Capital Area

7070 More Schools Than Previous Day
Largest Since September 18
Full Remote Classes in Seoul Metropolitan Area Schools

On December 3, the day of the 2021 College Scholastic Ability Test, examinees are heading to the exam site at Gyeongbok High School in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), on the 15th, 8,399 schools across 15 cities and provinces adjusted their in-person class schedules.

According to the Ministry of Education, the number of schools that adjusted in-person classes increased by 7,070 from 1,329 schools the previous day.

The number of schools that suspended in-person classes set a new record, the highest since 7,018 schools on September 18.

The sharp increase is because all kindergartens, elementary, middle, high schools, and special schools in the Seoul metropolitan area switched to remote classes. The metropolitan area accounts for 91.3%. Schools in Ulsan (442 schools), Chungnam (183 schools), and Chungbuk (63 schools) also suspended in-person classes.

The number of confirmed student cases increased by 48 as of midnight that day, surpassing 2,000. The total was counted at 2,065. Among staff, 16 new confirmed cases were reported, bringing the total to 386 so far.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.