South Korea Education

The Rigorous Education System of South Korea

South Korea is known for its high-quality education and impressive academic achievements. The country has one of the highest rates of tertiary attainment and literacy in the world. But what makes the education system of South Korea so rigorous and demanding? Here are some facts and features that explain the characteristics and challenges of the Korean education system.

Compulsory and Competitive Education

- Schooling is compulsory in South Korea until the age of 15.

- Before attending a university, South Korean students enrolled in secondary school must take the suneung, the extremely rigorous and fateful college entrance exam that largely governs one’s future.

- The suneung is a highly competitive exam that tests students on Korean language, mathematics, English, Korean history, social studies, science, vocational education and foreign languages.

- The suneung score determines which universities students can apply to and what majors they can pursue. It also affects their career prospects and social status.

- The suneung is so important that on the day of the exam, the whole country adjusts its schedule to accommodate the test-takers. For example, flights are rescheduled, traffic is controlled, and younger students cheer for their seniors.

Long Hours and High Pressure

- The students spend most of their time in the schools studying (12-16 hours per day) and the teachers only focus on achieving good results so the curriculum is very test focused.

- Many students also attend hagwons, or private after-school academies, to supplement their regular schooling and prepare for exams. Hagwons offer extra classes in various subjects, such as math, English, music, art, etc.

- Hagwons are expensive and competitive, but they are very popular among parents who want their children to have an edge in the education system. Some parents even send their children to hagwons abroad, such as in the United States or Canada.

- The high demand that is required from the students make them very stressed and damages their mental health and self-confidence a lot. The high educational rate in Korea has subject to a very impressive growth in the country’s economy but it has also sadly increased the suicide rates of the teenagers in Korea. Because of this pressure, every year there are hundreds of students who become suicidal.

Discipline and Respect

- Discipline serves as the bedrock of education in South Korea. The entire schooling system is built around discipline. This is because, to discipline the students, in ancient times, they used corporal punishment.

- Although corporal punishment is now banned in schools, some teachers still use it to enforce rules and order. Students are expected to obey their teachers without question and follow strict codes of conduct.

- Respect for elders and authority figures is also ingrained in the Korean culture and education system. Students are taught to use honorifics when addressing their teachers and seniors. They also bow to their teachers before and after class.

- Coeducational system is not very common in Korea and only about 10% of the Korean high schools are coeducational. Even in coeducation schools, there is a strict divide between the two genders.

Challenges and Reforms

- The Korean education system faces some challenges and criticisms, such as lack of creativity, innovation, diversity, individuality, and happiness among students.

- Some students complain that they have no time for hobbies, sports, or social activities. They also feel pressured to conform to societal expectations and norms.

- Some parents worry that their children are overworked, stressed, and unhappy. They also question the quality and relevance of the education system for the 21st century.

- The government has been trying to reform the education system to make it more balanced, flexible, student-centered, and future-oriented. Some of the reforms include reducing school hours, diversifying curriculum options, expanding vocational education, improving teacher training, promoting lifelong learning, etc.

Conclusion

The education system of South Korea is rigorous and demanding, but it also produces high-quality outcomes and achievements. It reflects the culture and values of the Korean society, but it also faces some challenges and changes. The Korean education system is a fascinating topic to explore and learn from.

Source: 

(1) Eight Facts About Education in South Korea - The Borgen Project. https://borgenproject.org/8-facts-about-education-in-south-korea/.

(2) Explained: The Rigorous Educational System Of South Korea - Indiatimes.com. https://www.indiatimes.com/explainers/news/explained-the-rigorous-educational-system-of-south-korea-607415.html.

(3) Education GPS - Korea - Overview of the education system (EAG 2022) - OECD. https://gpseducation.oecd.org/CountryProfile?primaryCountry=KOR&treshold=10&topic=EO.

(4) Explained: The Rigorous Educational System Of South Korea - MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/explained-the-rigorous-educational-system-of-south-korea/ar-AA1dlzwQ.

FAQ's

How hard is South Korean education?

The school system is very test-focused and goal-oriented, urging students to concentrate on their results. The high level of academic competitiveness in South Korea begins in middle school and becomes especially intense in high school.

What makes South Korea's education system unique?

They follow a standardized curriculum, which means that boys and girls study the same subjects, even if they attend Korean schools separated by gender. These are also divided between academic and vocational high schools. More than half of them are still in academic high schools focusing on academic performance.

Why is Korean education system the best?

Affordable Tuition Fees and Cost of Living Compared to other countries, South Korea has affordable tuition fees for international students. Since their government places a high value on education, they provide cheaper educational fees open to local and international students.

Which country is best for education India or South Korea?

Definitions STAT India South Korea High school > Private school share 41.89% Ranked 11th. 33% more than South Korea 31.46% Ranked 18th. Pupil-teacher ratio > Primary 40.2 Ranked 27th. 39% more than South Korea 29.02 Ranked 43th. Child care (preschool) > Starting age 3 Ranked 125th. The same as South Korea 3 Ranked 195th.