Yongnam Middle School was on the verge of closing due to a drop in the number of students that was caused by a decrease in the population of Sacheon up to 2011. However, it has been transformed into an innovative school that the Korean education community pays attention to. This was accomplished by teachers who led the way in innovation, and by students, parents, and the local government that actively supported and participated to successfully bring about an innovation in the education space.

In particular, the teachers played a leading role in remodeling the teaching staff room into a cafe-type space, resulting in a turning point in teaching staff room culture of Korea. They also provided students with 'Full Garden', a space for relaxation and recreation and 'Jihye Saem', a cultural and educational space. This school has introduced two-way digital classes as a response to the corona age and has presented a successful future model for rural schools in farming and fishing communities.