Jeju island

Impact of Declining Enrollment

Jeju Island is experiencing significant changes as the enrollment in its international schools has dropped sharply, from 4,868 students in 2023 to 4,133 in 2025. This decline has led to a decrease in the enrollment rate from 90 percent to 71.7 percent, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of these educational institutions.

The international schools on Jeju Island have played a crucial role in revitalizing rural areas, absorbing an education spending worth 1.42 trillion won since 2011. However, the number of regional communities at risk of extinction in Korea has nearly doubled from 61 in 2010 to 119 in 2023, highlighting broader demographic challenges.

New Cruise Routes

In a bid to boost tourism, Adora Mediterranea will commence operations from Dalian on May 27, 2025, with Jeju Island as a key stop. These four-night cruises are designed to provide passengers with a full day ashore, potentially enhancing the island’s appeal to international tourists, particularly from China.

As Jeju Island continues to navigate these developments, the population of Daejeong-eup, where the international schools are located, has seen growth, rising from around 17,000 in 2010 to 21,600 in 2025. This increase may be linked to the educational opportunities provided by these schools.

Future Considerations

Despite these positive indicators, the future of Jeju’s international schools remains uncertain due to declining enrollment and competition from unaccredited schools. Local officials, including Kim Jin-tae, have emphasized the need for the central government to engage in consultations to address these challenges.

Oh Young-hun has stated that various policy measures will be reviewed to establish the Global Education City as a global hub for residential education services. However, experts like Kim Sang-bong caution that not all schools on Jeju are thriving, given the unique circumstances of the island as a leisure destination.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of the new cruise routes on Jeju’s tourism economy. As developments unfold, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the situation to assess the implications for both education and tourism on the island.