The Royal Russell School Busan campus, the first foreign educational institution in the southeastern region of South Korea, will break ground on October 19 in the Myeongji International New Town of Busan's Gangseo District.
The project will involve an investment of 179.9 billion won ($1.8 billion) to construct an educational facility that will accommodate 1,350 students from kindergarten through middle school, with plans to open in August 2028.
On October 16, the city of Busan announced that it has completed the necessary permits and contractor selection processes for the construction of the Royal Russell School Busan campus, allowing work to commence.
The campus will be built on a site of 29,547 square meters, with a total floor area of 19,286 square meters. It will consist of six buildings, ranging from one basement level to four above ground, with plans for future expansion to include high school grades.
Royal Russell School is a private institution in the UK with a history spanning over 170 years. The Busan campus will implement the same academic management system and core curriculum as its UK counterpart.
The initiative began in July 2021 with a partnership agreement between the city of Busan, the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority, and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) for the establishment of the Myeongji Global Campus. In December of the same year, an agreement was signed regarding the establishment and operation of the Royal Russell School Busan campus.
Following feasibility studies, design competitions, and basic and detailed planning, key administrative procedures, including the announcement of changes to the implementation plan and building permits, were completed in February of this year.
To meet the 2028 opening schedule, the city of Busan requested LH to expedite the construction process. LH conducted an urgent bidding process and signed a construction contract on October 1, with Ace Construction assigned as the contractor.
After the groundbreaking on October 19, site preparations will begin, with civil engineering work such as excavation expected to start in mid-November. The completion is anticipated for June 2028, allowing for a two-month preparation period before the school opens.
The city expects that the establishment of this foreign educational institution will support the settlement of foreign companies and professionals in Busan, particularly improving living conditions for foreigners in the western Busan area in conjunction with the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone.
Mayor Jeon Jae-soo stated, "The groundbreaking of the Royal Russell School Busan campus is a significant first step in establishing a global educational foundation that will support Busan's future as a maritime capital. We will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the construction and preparations for the opening proceed smoothly, aiming for a successful launch in August 2028."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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