Eight Seoul schools to become co-educational, including Muhak Girls' High School amid alumni protests

Eight single-sex schools in Seoul, including Muhak Girls' High School, will become co-educational starting in the 2027-2028 academic year, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced on July 30. The decision affects four middle schools and four high schools, with the conversion aimed at maintaining school sizes amidst declining student populations and enhancing student convenience and choice.

Schools set to transition in 2027 include Jeongwon Middle School, Sungsim Girls' Middle School, Hanyang Middle School, Sinjeong Girls' Middle School, Hanyang Technical High School, Seoul Sinjeong High School, and Muhak Girls' High School. Sungsim Girls' High School will convert in 2028. Hanyang Middle School and Hanyang Technical High School, currently all-boys institutions, will become co-ed, while the other six schools, currently all-girls, will also adopt co-educational systems.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education stated that the selection process involved a comprehensive review of each school's student placement plans, admission conditions, the necessity of co-education, adherence to school operation committee deliberations, and facility readiness. Schools like Hwigyeong Girls' Middle School, Hwigyeong Girls' High School, and Songgok High School were categorized for "mid-to-long-term review" due to procedural issues or the need for further assessment of their integration with nearby schools.

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The co-educational conversion is expected to improve student commutes and create a demand-driven educational environment.

Schools converting to co-education will receive facility improvement funds for restrooms, changing rooms, and health centers, with the amount varying based on project scope. Additionally, each school will receive 300 million won (approximately $225,000) over three years to support adaptation programs for students and staff, including operational funds and personnel costs.

Despite the office's expectation that the conversions will improve student commutes and create a more student-centered educational environment, Muhak Girls' High School's alumni association has voiced strong opposition. They formed an emergency committee to protest the decision, arguing that the opinions of school members were not adequately considered. The alumni held a rally in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education on July 20 to express their dissent.

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We will continue to proactively respond to changes in the school-age population to enhance Seoul's educational competitiveness and guarantee students' right to learn.