Busan City Launches Children's English Experience Class 'Let's Play with English' – Enrollment Begins
Busan City is officially implementing the 'Let's Play with English' program to naturally enhance children's English skills.
This year, it will be expanded to 61 locations throughout Busan, and it will also be pilot-tested in childcare facilities and public children's cafes. Participation in the program is completely free, with enrollment planned to start on March 11.
This will be a great opportunity for children to enjoy learning English.
Learning English as Play! Expansion of 'Let's Play with English'
'Let's Play with English' is an experiential program where children learn English naturally through storytelling, creative activities, and crafts.
Last year, it was operated at 42 locations and received high satisfaction rates, leading to the increase in operational locations to 61 based on parents' requests.
The program is aimed at children aged 4 to 7 living in Busan, including preschool and first or second graders.
It will be conducted bi-annually, with regular classes held over four months and an additional special speech class lasting one month. Furthermore, there will be performance exhibitions during both the first and second half of the year.
The regular classes (preschool and elementary) will take place twice a week for 40 minutes each, while group classes (for daycare centers and kindergartens) will occur once a week for 90 minutes, consisting of a 40-minute lesson, a 10-minute break, and then another 40-minute lesson.
Changes in 'Let's Play with English' in 2025
Busan City is enhancing child-centered practical English learning content through the self-developed English textbook 'English Waves.' This textbook reflects the regional characteristics of Busan, contributing to the effectiveness of English education.
Moreover, we are expanding the participation of professional instructors. Teachers who have completed the 'Busan Global Early Childhood English Trainer Course' will conduct the education, and the number of instructors per class will increase from 2 to 3 to provide more focused learning support.
Franchise-type operations and pilot projects are also being implemented. Pilot operations are being conducted at three locations, including the children's complex cultural space 'Let's Play,' as well as childcare facilities and public children's cafes, increasing the accessibility of English education across various settings.
How to Apply for the Program and Schedule
The 'Let's Play with English' program will start enrollment for the first cohort on March 11. Regular classes are scheduled to begin on March 18.
The application process is straightforward. Access the 'Let's Play' integrated website (www.busan.go.kr/bschild), select the specialized program from the cultural space menu, and then navigate to the 'Let's Play with English' section to apply through the respective operating organizations' websites.
The operational schedule is as follows:
The first cohort runs for 16 weeks from March 18 to early July.
The second cohort will start in August and also run for 16 weeks.
A special speech class for graduates will be held additionally for one month.
Performance exhibitions will take place in both the first and second halves of the year, showcasing artworks, dance presentations, and speech competitions.
Expected Outcomes and Future Plans
'Let's Play with English' is a special initiative that goes beyond simple English education, helping children learn English joyfully and build their confidence.
As of 2024, satisfaction surveys conducted among parents indicate that program satisfaction rates reach 95.7%, and the willingness to participate in educational operations again is at 96.8%. Additionally, 93.8% report experiencing a reduction in private education expenses. These high satisfaction rates demonstrate the successful operation of the program.
Future plans include solidifying a Busan-style English education model and continuing the development of content. We also plan to expand operational areas to increase accessibility to English education by including various facilities, such as childcare facilities and children's cafes. Moreover, an experiential learning space suitable for a global city like Busan will be established.
The Mayor of Busan stated, "We will continue to support Busan's children in acquiring English skills as if they were playing, helping them naturally cultivate a global perspective," and expressed commitment to developing Busan into a child-friendly education city through the expanded operation of the 'Let's Play with English' program.
Below is the operational status of 'Let's Play with English' program by Busan city municipality in 2025.
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