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South Korea is expected to see the number of children entering elementary school fall below 300,000 for the first time next year, according to data reported on Nov. 8. Yonhap reports that 2027 enrollment is projected to hit a historic low, about a quarter of the level from nearly 60 years ago. The Korea Times notes the first graders were born in 2020, and Chosun Ilbo adds that the 400,000 mark was broken in 2024, just three years ago. The decline is attributed to the country's low birth rate, with concerns raised over worsening education environments, accelerated school mergers, and a potential drop in the nation's potential growth rate.