Seoul’s Ihwa Center, operated by the Seoul Ma-eul Education Public Cooperation Center, stands out as a vibrant night school hub for educators. This facility, once a prestigious national elite high school, now serves thousands of teachers seeking professional growth and personal enrichment through innovative programs.
A Symbol of Teacher Rejuvenation
The center embodies the ‘Ddaeng Ddaeng Ma-eul’ spirit, drawing educators from across Seoul districts like Wolyu-gu. Center Director Song Young-jin describes the ‘Ddaeng Ddaeng’ sound as unique among animals, carrying infinite meaning that energizes participants. “Even novices roll two stones with joy, revealing its profound significance,” Song explains.
From Closure to Teacher Haven
Originally established in 1939 as a top high school, the facility closed in February 2016 amid declining student numbers due to low birth rates. After operating briefly as a gallery and center until late 2018, it transformed into a teacher night school in 2019. A task force involving education officials, school parents, and agency staff streamlined the process, leading to its official launch with 27 programs across seven categories.
Private operation began in November 2020, achieving full enrollment by March 2021 as a six-year project.
Diverse Workshops and Experiences
Teachers explore golf, cafes, and novels like Yori Jo-ri, Hutt No-li, Namu No-li, Mom No-li, Geulim No-li, Son No-li, and Sori No-li. These integrated spaces foster creativity. High school programs include project-based teaching and one-day classroom simulations, while elementary options cover literature, arts, and more.
Ongoing Programs Through 2025
Running from March to December each year, initiatives feature ‘1-Day Teacher Experience’ across Seoul’s elementary and middle schools, incorporating subjects like literature, math, crafts, yoga, science, music, sports, and civics. Project teaching targets high schoolers with similar curricula.
August brings youth transfer programs. Civic minbaemter enhances personal development, and celebrity teacher baemter adds appeal. Monday civic programs offer yoga, arts, pottery, bandi teaching, swimming, and other activities tailored for adults.
Record-Breaking Attendance
Participation surges annually: 40,000 in 2023, 39,000 in 2024, and 34,000 in 2025. Director Song notes, “Targeted night school initiatives and continuous promotion have boosted recruitment from 5 million until 2023 to 7.7 million in 2024 and 8.7 million in 2025.” Efforts extend overseas, attracting global educators.
Teacher Jang Il-hwa (61), leading a two-year body care workshop, shares, “Through body-focused activities, we instill self-awareness and health practices, contributing to society. This experience drew me back to teaching after retirement.” She adds, “Such spaces create overwhelming impact per district. They become cultural destinations where everyone changes.”
Song emphasizes the center’s role: “Operating as a single entity per district, it sparks thoughts of ‘spaces nurturing holistic growth.’ With students at its core, it enables deeper engagement with culture and crafts, fostering rewarding directions for educators.”
