Lee Tae Seok Primary School

A story about Father Dr. Lee would not be complete without mentioning Lychok, an abandoned village populated by people suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy). Lychok held a special place in his heart, where he treated patients and spent time teaching the children of these patients who had no other access to education. Eventually a school was created, and for miles and miles this was the only institution at which children could receive a formal education.

This made it particularly heartbreaking to find out that the primary school had shut down in 2022, due to a lack of funding. The Lee Tae Seok Foundation was determined to reopen and maintain the school, to continue providing opportunities for children. In November 2022, the school was officially reopened as the Lee Tae Seok Primary School, and classes commenced shortly thereafter in December.

A clean drinking water system and solar powered electricity were installed to better the learning conditions for students. We currently employ 5 teachers and 3 additional staff members. The student body as of March 2023 is over 150 students, for whom school uniforms and school supplies will always be provided.

It has been a pleasant surprise to witness the rapidly growing student population at our school. Children travel each day from many miles away for a chance to receive a proper education at the Lee Tae Seok Primary School. As a result, the goal in 2023 is to finish the construction of a new, second building to support an additional 100 students. In the spirit of Father Dr. Lee, there are also plans to create a school brass band in the near future, giving children an artistic outlet. We pledge to continue improving our facilities and quality of education for these children.