8 JUNE, 2020 - Ninety-nine days after the first outbreak of the cornavirus within the country, the 5.95 million students in K-12 and special schools across South Korea have finally returned back to school.

Since the Korean Ministry of Education's first response to the coronavirus last 20 January, the school opening was delayed five times, as the spread from different parts of the community constantly brought up risks for group infection. Amid the unprecedented pandemic, the Ministry of Education planned the first ever "online opening" of schools, which subsequently brought students to the virtual classroom since 9 April.

The report, organized by the Ministry of Education, illustrates the issues faced by the country, along with the response strategies taken. At the same time, it draws out a number of significant points to be considered in designing a seamless distance learning environment, both from a technical and instructional perspective.

<Table of Contents>

1. Introduction : Korea's Response to COVID-19

2. School Closure and Preparing for Online Classes

  2.1 Creating a Stable and Conducive Environment

  2.2 Decision to Introduce Online Classes in Stages

3. Systematic Preparation for Online Classes

  3.1 Expanding Public Infrastructure

  3.2 Supporting Teachers' Capacity-Building

  3.3 Revising Online Education Systems

4. Operation of Online Classes

  4.1 Online Class Participation

  4.2 Types of Online Classes

  4.3 Teachers' Passion and Commitment

5. Overcoming Challenges

  5.1 Resolving Digital Divide

  5.2 Support for Disadvantaged Students

  5.3 Technical Assistance with Communication

6. Conclusion: Designing the Future of Education