Abstract In this study, the quantitative optimal energy level of school buildings was identified in view of a pleasant environment, excellent functions, and effective energy use/maintenance. The energy consumption characteristics of 10 elementary schools in Daegu, located in the southern part of South Korea, were analyzed by year, unit area, and per capita, based on the data from January 2006 to December 2010, to present the specific values for the energy-saving goals of the elementary schools in South Korea. The following conclusions were arrived at: (i) for the energy consumption by energy type, electric energy is used the most, followed by gas and oil; (ii) it seems that the electric power consumption continues to increase because of the replacement of cooling/heating systems by electric systems, the installation of electric IT equipment, and the changes in the outdoor temperature; (iii) the energy consumption per unit study area of the elementary schools in South Korea in 2010 was 1040 MJ/m 2 y for electricity, 92 MJ/m 2 y for oil, and 325 MJ/m 2 y for gas; (iv) for the monthly energy consumption of the elementary schools in South Korea, it is highest in December and lowest in January and August; (v) for the energy consumption characteristics of the elementary schools in South Korea in terms of energy use, heating consumes the most energy, followed by cooling and lighting, in that order; and (vi) the monthly energy consumption per unit capita of the elementary schools in South Korea is 151–403 MJ/student·month.