Seoul Elementary Schools Allow Up to 20% Off-Campus Experiential Learning This Year as Well

Home Study Including Off-Campus Experiential Learning Usable Until the 38th
Up to 30% Allowed If 2nd Semester Remains at Serious or Caution Stage

On the 19th, when in-person classes for kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide were expanded following the adjustment to Level 1 social distancing, children at Munbaek Elementary School in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, were sanitizing their hands as they arrived at school. According to the education sector, from this day forward, the number of students attending school in all regions nationwide will be increased to two-thirds capacity. Schools in the metropolitan area, large schools, and overcrowded classes must comply with this standard, but non-metropolitan areas are allowed to adjust density according to their circumstances, making it possible for all students to attend school every day with 'full in-person attendance.' Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will allow elementary school students to use up to 38 days for off-campus experiential learning this year.

On the 4th, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced that it will temporarily expand the operation to allow up to 20% of the total number of school days (at least 190 days) without consecutive day limits, maintaining the level of off-campus experiential learning days from last year.

In the second semester, if the infectious disease crisis alert level is severe or caution, an additional 10% will be added, allowing a total of up to 30%.

In May last year, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education expanded the allowed off-campus experiential learning days for elementary schools from 10% to 20% of the legally mandated school days. Last year, as school attendance was delayed and the number of school days decreased, up to 34 days could be used.

The Ministry of Education and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education allow off-campus experiential learning, including home study. However, off-campus experiential learning is not subject to alternative learning provisions and is recorded in the student record as other absences recognized as attendance. The school principal can decide whether to approve it, prioritizing the student's safety and health.

A representative from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education explained, "Since the COVID-19 severe alert level continues, considering the right to learn, we decided to expand off-campus experiential learning to 20% without consecutive day limits this year as well."

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