78 schools damaged in Seoul during heavy rains last week

Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon visits a high school in Gwanak District, southern Seoul, that was damaged from heavy rainfall on Aug. 12. [YONHAP]

A total of 78 schools in Seoul were damaged last week due to the record heavy rains.

A total of 38 elementary schools, 16 middle schools and 15 high schools were damaged, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education on Tuesday. The schools were affected by sinkholes, flooding and power blackouts.

Of the 78, one school will postpone its first day of school, while two schools will conduct online classes for two weeks.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education is financially supporting these schools regardless of whether they are private or public schools.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]