On the evening of April 15, 2014, the passenger ferry MV Sewol departed from Incheon, South Korea, heading toward the southern island of Jeju. For many passengers, the overnight journey was an ordinary part of travel. For hundreds of students from Danwon High School in Ansan, however, it was the beginning of a school trip they had been looking forward to.
Jeju Island is known for its dramatic coastline, volcanic landscapes, and popular tourist destinations. School trips to the island offer students an opportunity to learn outside the classroom, spend time with friends, and create memories away from their usual routines. The teenagers aboard the Sewol had every reason to expect a safe journey followed by several days of exploration.
