Singing and News in the Cafeteria? ... Busan Office of Education Pilots Student Complex Cultural Space

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education has pilot-established the school cafeteria at Busan Il Science High School in Saha-gu, Busan, as a complex cultural space where various activities such as communication, relaxation, and cultural arts performances can take place.

In the early 2000s, school meals were served in classrooms due to a lack of space to set up cafeterias. Later, as school idle spaces were secured, cafeterias were built, but these spaces were still small, so students ate in shifts by grade within a short time.

Considering the increase in school idle spaces due to a decline in the number of students over several years, the Busan Office of Education is promoting the ‘School Cafeteria Space Innovation Project’ to allow students to enjoy meals more comfortably and to make the cafeteria a place for communication and relaxation.

Accordingly, the food service hall (cafeteria) at Busan Il Science High School, which was scheduled for remodeling, was pilot-established as a complex cultural space in February this year.

First, efforts were focused on diversifying the space so that students could eat comfortably. Tables for two (couple tables), tables for four, tables for six, caf?-style tables, and terrace tables were installed, allowing students to eat anywhere in the cafeteria, which increased the average meal time.

Students of Busan Il Science High School are eating at a six-person table.

A cultural arts performance stage was also set up inside the cafeteria, enabling students to freely showcase their talents through ‘Lunch Concerts’ and ‘Lunch Busking.’ Additionally, music can be enjoyed during meal times, and a large TV was installed to easily access various news and information.

In particular, the cafeteria has become a great help in activating communication among school members, as it allows conversations with friends and consultations between teachers and students.

Based on the results of the project at Busan Il Science High School, the Busan Office of Education plans to consider additional establishments.

Kim Beom-gyu, Director of Character Education, Physical Education, and School Meals at the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, said, “This project will be a good opportunity to add communication, relaxation, and leisure to the most enjoyable meal time of the day for students,” and added, “Our education office will continue to do its best to provide a better meal environment for students.”

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