Jeju island

Impact of Declining Enrollment in International Schools

Jeju Island is experiencing significant challenges as the enrollment in its international schools has declined sharply, from 4,868 students in 2023 to just 4,133 in 2025. This drop has led to a decrease in the enrollment rate from 90 percent to 71.7 percent, raising concerns about the sustainability of these educational institutions and their impact on local communities.

The decline in student numbers comes amidst a broader context where the population of Daejeong-eup, the area hosting these schools, has grown from around 17,000 in 2010 to 21,600 in 2025. Despite this growth, the number of regional communities at risk of extinction has nearly doubled, from 61 in 2010 to 119 in 2023, indicating a troubling trend in rural sustainability.

Jeju’s international schools have absorbed education spending worth 1.42 trillion won since 2011, which might have otherwise been spent on overseas education. However, the recent downturn in enrollment raises questions about the long-term viability of these institutions, especially in light of competition from approximately 130 unaccredited international schools operating in Korea, which collectively enroll around 26,000 students.

In response to these challenges, Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun has pledged expanded support for international schools, emphasizing the need for policy measures to establish the Global Education City as a hub for residential education services. “We will review various policy measures so that the Global Education City can establish itself as a global hub for residential education services,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Jeju SK coach Sergio Costa expressed concerns over recent incidents of racism, calling them “unacceptable,” which adds another layer of complexity to the social environment surrounding the island’s educational landscape. Costa remarked on his satisfaction with the atmosphere at the Jeju World Cup Stadium during the K-League season, highlighting the community’s engagement with local sports.

As Jeju prepares for its upcoming match against FC Anyang on March 8, 2026, the local sports scene remains vibrant, yet the educational sector faces pressing issues. The central government has been urged to engage in consultations regarding international schools with a broader perspective, as noted by Kim Jin-tae.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term sustainability of Jeju’s international schools due to declining enrollment and competition from unaccredited schools. The impact of these schools on local population dynamics is also uncertain, as they may not attract sufficient students in remote areas.