“Special Education District Mapo” in Full Operation... 17.5 Billion Won Invested to Expand Educational Support

Improvement of 75 Educational Facilities
“Space” Study Cafes Gain Popularity

Mapo District in Seoul (District Mayor Park Kangsoo) has declared itself the “Special Education District Mapo” and is accelerating support policies to transform into an education-centered city where all generations grow together.

On the 25th, the Special Education Zone Mapo Proclamation Ceremony was held at Red Road. Provided by Mapo District.

The district announced that from 2023 to this year, it allocated 17.5 billion won in educational expense subsidies, supporting 75 kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools. Various projects have been implemented to enhance students’ learning and growth environments, including orchestra activation, sports team development, and school facility improvements.

In particular, 2.262 billion won was invested in facility improvements. Significant changes have been made, such as the installation of artificial turf playgrounds, renovation of outdated science labs, creation of digital education innovation spaces, establishment of future education platforms, and maintenance of outdoor learning areas.

Mapo District is also working to create a safe environment for students commuting to and from school. Schools such as Seoul Girls’ Middle and High School, Yeomni Elementary School, Hwanil High School, Shinbuk Elementary School, and Jungdong Elementary School have improved their main gates and school routes, resulting in safe commuting paths that satisfy both students and parents.

Additionally, in September, the district collaborated with the Seoul Western Education Support Office and Mapo Police Station to identify 26 additional blind spots in closed-circuit (CC) TV coverage. The district plans to review the budget and installation feasibility and will proceed with installations in phases.

To foster outstanding talent and create a high-quality educational environment, the district plans to allocate 5.7 billion won in educational expense subsidies for 2026 and will submit the budget proposal to the district council.

Meanwhile, the Mapo-style study cafes “Space” are gaining popularity as learning spaces for youths preparing for further education and academic pursuits. As of October 2025, seven locations are in operation-including Mapo Naru Space, Hapjeong Space, Yeomni Space, Yeonnam Space, and Shinsu Space-with cumulative users exceeding 240,000.

This year, Mapo District plans to open two additional locations: Sogang Space and Nogosan Space, and aims to expand the total number of study cafes to 23 in the future. The district also plans to designate a Mapo education-specialized street and establish a career and academic information center to further strengthen the local educational infrastructure.

Park Kangsoo, Mayor of Mapo District, stated, “Mapo District is moving forward as a city preparing for the future through education. By innovating educational and academic environments, we will nurture children’s potential and create a Mapo where everyone grows together.”

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