Abandoned School Buildings Transformed into Art and Cultural Platforms

Elementary School building in Namhae County, South Gyeongsang Province. (image: Namhae County Office)

CHANGWON, July 12 (Korea Bizwire) — Abandoned school buildings are turning into new platforms of culture, breathing new life into local communities.

The old Yongho Branch School building, left abandoned on Yongho Island in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, is currently undergoing renovations to become a cat protection facility.

The school, which opened in 1940, was active for 72 years until it shut down in 2012 due to the plunging student population.

Former classrooms will be used to accommodate, treat, and socialize stray cats and send them for adoption. The new facility will hire veterinarians and staff.

The abandoned Sungnam Elementary School building in Namhae County, too, has become a cultural platform that offers art and handicraft lessons to local residents and tourists.

The lessons that take place in the old classrooms are enough to bring back childhood memories to those who visit.

Abandoned school buildings in Changwon and Gimhae have also turned into art and cultural libraries.

Currently, there are 584 abandoned school buildings in South Gyeongsang Province, most of which have been sold, renovated, or rented out. There are 86 buildings that are left unused.

Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)