Danish-style residential school debuts on Ganghwa Island
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Oh Yeon-ho, second left in front row, the founder of Ggumtlefterskole, stands with the school Principal Chung Seung-kwan, to his left, and teachers after holding a workshop in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, Nov. 27. Ggumtlefterskole, a Danish-style residential school for middle school graduates, opened on Ganghwa Island, Monday. / Courtesy of Ggumtlefterskole
By Chung Hyun-chae
A Danish-style residential school opened on
Ganghwa Island in Incheon, Monday, offering a one-year course for middle school graduates.
The school, called Ggumtlefterskole, resembles Efterskole, a unique Danish residential school providing alternative education, where students aged 14 to 18 spend one to three years finishing their lower secondary education.
“I’ve established Ggumtlefterskole to allow middle school graduates freedom for one year to find their aptitude while doing anything they want,” said Oh Yeon-ho, founder of the school.
“Our motto is to give children the opportunity to plan their own lives while resting, stepping aside from the cutthroat competition,” Oh added.
Thirty students attended the school’s first entrance ceremony on the opening day.
They included 17 middle school graduates, eight high school students who have finished their freshman year, two students from unauthorized schools and three homeschooling students.
Danish Ambassador Thomas Lehmann gave a congratulatory address during the event.
Without feeling the burden of cramming for college entrance exams, the students will learn how to cook rice, do farm work, travel and debate with others while living together at the school for one year.
The school has five teachers including two principals, a married couple _ Chung Seung-kwan and Kim Hee-ok.
Chung teaches philosophy and Kim is in charge of special activities programs.
“I will also have a 90-minute writing class with students once a week,” said Oh, who is also founder and CEO of OhmyNews, an online media outlet.
The school will welcome Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, Seoul National University Law Professor Cho Kuk and other noted figures and experts as special lecturers.
“After the students finish the one-year course, I hope they will pursue their dream, whether it might be academic achievements or starting their own businesses,” Oh said.
The tuition is 500,000 won per month and the dormitory fee is 300,000 won each month. The school plans to raise donations from individuals and companies so that it can ease the financial burden of students' parents.