Canceled After 'Price Controversy'... Why School Trip Costs Differ by Up to 17 Times
by Choi Seungwoo
Published 18 Apr.2026 15:01(KST)
Updated 18 Apr.2026 16:14(KST)
Overseas Long-Term Programs vs. Domestic Short-Term Trips: A Structural Cost Gap
Local Government Support Also Matters
Up to 500,000 Won in Annual Support for Low-Income Students
Recently, the issue of a "600,000-won school trip in Gangwon Province" has sparked controversy online. It has been found that the cost of school trips among schools in Seoul varies by more than 17 times.
According to multiple media reports citing the education sector on April 17 and an analysis of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education's public data from the "Open Seoul Education" portal, the expenses for school trips in Seoul last year showed significant differences depending on the school and the itinerary.
The gap was greatest among elementary, high, and middle schools, in that order. The most expensive case was an elementary school in Seodaemun District. This school organized a 5-day, 4-night overseas experiential learning program in Southeast Asia, setting the cost at 2,895,000 won per student. Out of 95 eligible students, 81 actually participated.
The least expensive case was an elementary school in Dongdaemun District, where a 2-day, 1-night trip to the Gyeonggi region cost 169,400 won per student. Of the 104 eligible students, 89 participated. The cost difference between the two schools exceeds 17 times. In particular, the Dongdaemun school was able to reduce the financial burden on students by receiving about 7 million won in support from the Dongdaemun District Office’s educational support program. This is cited as a representative example of how support from local governments can affect cost disparities.
Among middle schools, a school in Gangseo District recorded the highest cost, charging 1,001,000 won per student for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Jeju Island. In contrast, a school in Geumcheon District organized a trip to Gangwon Province during the same period for 283,000 won per student, which was the lowest.
High schools also showed a clear gap. A school in Gangnam District set the price for a 4-day, 3-night trip to Japan at 1,913,000 won per student, while a school in Yangcheon District operated a 3-day, 2-night trip to Gangwon Province for around 300,000 won.
These differences are attributed to factors such as the destination, schedule, use of flights, and length of stay. There are pointed out structural disparities, as long-term overseas experiential programs and short-term domestic trips are mixed. In response, the education authorities are providing support measures to alleviate the cost burden.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education supports school trip expenses for students from low-income families. Last year, a total of 2,618,220,000 won was distributed to 5,452 students, with an average of 480,000 won per student. The recipients include students from households on basic livelihood support, single-parent families, and those with a household income below 60% of the median, with actual expenses covered up to 500,000 won per year per grade. In addition, the office is expanding administrative and financial support, such as providing field trip manuals, training safety personnel, supporting additional staff, and assisting with preliminary site visits and transportation.
Meanwhile, a recent post claiming that the cost of a 3-day, 2-night middle school trip to Gangwon Province was as much as 600,000 won has spread online, sparking controversy. It was subsequently reported that the school in question ultimately canceled the trip.
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