PHOTOS: A full-on field day under clear Autumn skies
By AJP Yoo Na-hyunPosted : October 19, 2025, 09:46Updated : October 20, 2025, 11:18
A field day held at an elementary school in Jungnang District Seoul, Oct. 17, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - "Sweeping victory, Blue Team! Cheer on, White Team!" On a clear, blue Autumn Friday, children's laughter filled an elementary school playground in Jungnang District Seoul.
In Korea, schools traditionally hold a field day once a year, usually in spring or autumn. The event features a variety of games and, at times, class performances. Families join in the festivities, making it one of the biggest events of the school year — an experience familiar to nearly every Korean elementary student.
Students participate in a ball-rolling match at a field day held at an elementary school in Jungnang District Seoul, Oct. 17, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Yet in recent years, fewer children have had the chance to experience it. Once considered a major community celebration, field days have gradually faded as the nation’s falling birth rate sharply reduced student numbers. Some schools, especially in rural areas facing population decline, have even stopped holding the event altogether.
Students throw balls at a field day held at an elementary school in Jungnang District Seoul, Oct. 17, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
The field day with full-on participation from lower grade students in the morning and higher grade students in the afternoon bustled with anticipation with parents joining in. Around 300 students played games in the first half, and the same number in the second.
Students compete in a relay race a field day held at an elementary school in Jungnang District Seoul, Oct. 17, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Participants gave it their best, with determined attitudes. Even outside of matches they cheered on the contestants, cheering nearly as competitively as the contestants themselves. Roaring victory howls and deep sighs were heard as each game concluded, yet all gave hearty congratulations and encouragement to both sides afterwards.
A relay race celebrated the grand finale of the morning half of the field day, lower grade students returning to classes with bright grins under warm Fall sunshine. May the children keep their joyful smile and cherish their moments for long.
Parents cheer on students at a field day held at an elementary school in Jungnang District Seoul, Oct. 17, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Students cheer on contestants at a field day held at an elementary school in Jungnang District Seoul, Oct. 17, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A female student runs in a relay race at a field day held at an elementary school in Jungnang District Seoul, Oct. 17, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Students participate in a ball carrying game at a field day held at an elementary school in Jungnang District Seoul, Oct. 17, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A field day held at an elementary school in Jungnang District Seoul, Oct. 17, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
