Busan's Gwabeop elementary school holds graduation event

Students pose for a commemorative photo during a farewell ceremony at Gwabeop Elementary School in Sasang-gu, Busan, on Jan. 20. Yonahp

SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - Gwabeop Elementary School in Sasang-gu, Busan, held its 44th and final graduation ceremony on Jan. 20. The event included a graduation for eight last graduates followed by a farewell ceremony, marking the end of the school's long history.

According to the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, Gwabeop Elementary opened on March 5, 1982, with 28 classes and 1,261 students. Student enrollment declined sharply in recent years—6 new students in 2022, 12 in 2023, 6 in 2024, and 9 in 2025—leaving the school with just 52 total students. The consolidation with nearby Gamjeon Elementary was finalized last August.

Gwabeop Elementary is one of three elementary schools in Busan closing this year due to declining school-age population.

The principal presents a memory album to students during a farewell ceremony at Gwabeop Elementary School in Sasang-gu, Busan, on Jan. 20. Yonhap

Students return the school flag during a farewell ceremony at Gwabeop Elementary School in Sasang-gu, Busan, on Jan. 20. Yonhap

The principal presents a memory album to a student and cheers "Fighting!" during a farewell ceremony at Gwabeop Elementary School in Sasang-gu, Busan, on Jan. 20. Yonhap

Gwabeop Elementary School in Sasang-gu, Busan, held its final graduation ceremony on Jan. 20. The 44th and final ceremony included a graduation for eight last graduates followed by a farewell ceremony for current students. Yonhap

Han Jun-gu 수습기자 jungu141298@ajupress.com

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