The school has an affiliated kindergarten on its grounds. Having a kindergarten and an elementary school in the same setting can help create a sense of continuity as children move from one stage of learning to the next.
Inside the school, there are various learning spaces, including a library, science rooms, computer rooms, and a music room. These spaces allow students to read, conduct experiments, enjoy music, and explore their creativity.
One place I remember especially well is the library. It had a wide selection of books organized into different categories, from science books to fiction and children’s stories. There were also DVDs ranging from animated films to documentaries, which teachers could use in their lessons. When I was in fifth grade, I helped out in the library. While sorting and shelving books, I remember thinking, “I had no idea our school had so many books!”
Another memorable place was the language classroom. Along with desks and a board, it had different activity areas, including a space designed to look like the inside of an airplane and an area for games and play. These features made students look forward to English lessons there. When we learned expressions that matched one of these settings, we sometimes moved into that area to practice using them. This made the lessons feel more connected to real-life situations.
The school also has a connection to a nearby stream called Gulpocheon. Its name shares the word “Gulpo” with the stream, which also appears in the school song and is represented in the school emblem. The opening of the school song refers to the flowing waters of the Han River and Gulpocheon, linking the local landscape to the school’s identity.
Gulpocheon is a familiar natural space in the Samsan-dong area. Residents walk along it, take a break, and enjoy a little nature in the city. For students, it can also be a place to discover living things and learn to care for the environment. I still remember visiting the stream with my classmates during science lessons about microorganisms and aquatic life. We observed what was living there and collected samples, taking our learning beyond the classroom.
Through these learning spaces and experiences, Gulpo Elementary School aims to help children develop good character, think creatively, and grow with healthy minds and bodies. To learn more about its after-school programs, school events, and other activities, visit the Incheon Gulpo Elementary School website.
https://gulpo.icees.kr/main.do
