School 2013

Welcome to Seungri High School—or rather, the conceptual representation of it—the primary setting for the seminal 2012-2013 South Korean television drama, 'School 2013'. As we stand before these imposing iron gates, we are not…

We begin in the quintessential space of learning: the classroom. Specifically, Class 2 of the second year, notoriously the most problematic class at Seungri High. …

Step out of the hallway and into the Teachers' Office. This space is a fascinating study in conflicting ideologies. …

Let us proceed to the school cafeteria. At first glance, a cafeteria is simply a place for nourishment. …

Now, we ascend to the school rooftop. In Korean youth dramas, the rooftop is a ubiquitous and potent symbol. …

We step momentarily off the main campus and into the nearby streets lined with 'Hakwons'—the private cram schools that form the colossal shadow education system of South Korea. While not physically inside the high school, this…

Our final stop within the school grounds is the expansive, sandy playground. During class hours, it is a place of physical exertion and organized sports. …

As we conclude our tour of 'School 2013', let us linger for a moment at the school gates, watching the imaginary students depart into the twilight. This drama remains a masterpiece because it refuses to offer neat, fairy-tale…