Yeomyung School, an alternative school for North Korean defector youths that had to relocate multiple times due to site instability, is finally settling down permanently at its current location on the former Yeomgang Elementary School site, about two decades after its opening.

The Ministry of Unification announced today (the 24th) that Unification Minister Chung Dong-young signed a business agreement for the construction of the Yeomyung School building with heads of partner organizations, including Seoul Superintendent of Education Jeong Keun-sik, Hyundai Motor Group President Sung Kim, and Lee Moon-sik, chairman of the Yeomyung Corporation, at the school in Gangseo-gu.

The signing ceremony was attended by Rep. Han Jeoung-ae of the Democratic Party of Korea representing the local constituency, Gangseo-gu Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon, and donor representatives including actor and writer Cha In-pyo and L&P Cosmetic Chairman Kwon O-sub.

Established in Gwanak-gu in 2004 to help North Korean defector youths adapt to South Korean society, Yeomyung School is Seoul's only alternative educational institution for North Korean defector adolescents.

The school relocated to Myeong-dong in Jung-gu in 2008 and attempted to move to Eunpyeong-gu in 2019, but the plan fell through due to strong opposition and protests from local residents.

It has been operating by renting the former Yeomgang Elementary School building in Gangseo-gu since March 2023. With this agreement signed seven months before the expiration of its lease period scheduled for February next year, the school has secured stable access to the site.

Under this business agreement, the Ministry of Unification will cooperate on social integration and settlement support for North Korean defector youths while providing administrative and financial backing. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will handle the school site usage permit and administrative and financial support.

Hyundai Motor Group will provide project funding to support the cultivation of future talent, while Yeomyung Corporation will cover project expenses, oversee the construction of the school building, and donate it to the government.

The new building will be constructed on the current playground site, with groundbreaking slated for October next year and completion targeted for the end of 2028.

Built with support from Hyundai Motor Group, the new Yeomyung School facility will be tailored to reflect the educational characteristics of its students, who are North Korean defector youths. Upon completion, it will be donated to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and used through a long-term free lease.

Yeomyung School plans to complete its relocation to the newly built school in January 2029 and hold its opening ceremony in March of that year.

(Photo: Yonhap News)