Primary, secondary education in South Korea for international students

South Korea's education system is undergoing rapid development. If since the middle of the XX century there has been an increase in the number of preschool, school and higher educational institutions in the country, then the XXI century was marked by the active entry of South Korean universities into the international arena. At the same time, the share of foreign students in the country is growing from year to year.

School education in South Korea includes 3 stages. The first two – primary and secondary schools are mandatory to attend. At all school levels, the duration of the lesson is 45 minutes. The academic year is divided into semesters. The first one starts in March and lasts until mid-July. The second semester is from the end of August to the tenth of February. The academic load varies from a few lessons in elementary to 11 in high school.

Secondary education in Korea is accompanied by heavy academic loads: students attend additional private classes, do independent work, spending a total of 16 hours a day studying. This helps students achieve high results. Such trends are explained by the fact that students from childhood tend to enrol in the top universities of the country in the hope of securing a bright future with a prestigious job and high earnings.

Secondary education is implemented both in state and private educational institutions. In South Korea, both types receive funding from the state, although its volume in private schools is less than in public ones.

South Korea, known for its robust educational system, offers a comprehensive approach to primary and secondary education. This system is renowned for its emphasis on discipline and academic rigor, setting the stage for successful university admissions.

Primary Schools in South Korea

Primary education caters to children aged 6 to 12 and spans six years. The curriculum includes:

• Korean language

• Mathematics

• Sciences

• Social sciences

• English (starting from the third year)

• Fine arts and music

In primary schools, most subjects are taught by a single teacher in a consistent classroom environment. Progression to the next grade is based on age rather than academic performance.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What would you say is the most important when choosing a school?

This is the quality of support and work of the management, the opportunity to study at IB, the prestige of the school and the percentage of successful completion of the diploma stage of IB, recommendations for further universities. It is worth considering the national "recruitment" of campus students, opportunities for extracurricular development and activities, the availability of medical services and consultations, opportunities for language immersion. Is education at the chosen school based on the values you share? Is the school a close-knit community? Is academic support good?

For students aged 12 to 15, secondary school programs last three years. Here, different subjects are taught by specialized teachers. Compared to primary schools, secondary schools place greater emphasis on discipline, including uniform and hairstyle regulations. The curriculum encompasses:

• Mathematics

• Korean and English

• Sciences

• Art, history, Chinese hieroglyphics (Hancha), ethics, home economics, and physical education

Although grades don’t impact progression to the next grade, performing well in the final year is crucial for university entrance exam preparation. Post-middle school, students typically choose between high school and vocational school, where they can obtain a practical specialty in 2-3 years.

Nearly 98% of Korean students attend high school, the highest rate globally. This optional educational level, spanning three years for students aged 15-19, offers specialized programs in science, languages, and arts. The curriculum is intensive, often including up to 11 subjects. Students spend significant time on self-study, preparing for the final Korean exam, analogous to the SAT, covering Korean, Math, and English. This exam is a pivotal event in a Korean student's life, as university admission largely depends on its results.

International schools in South Korea, offering English-language curriculums based on American or British models, including the International Baccalaureate, cater to foreign students. The average cost at these international schools is approximately 14,200 USD per academic year. Foreign students can also attend regular Korean schools, but education is primarily conducted in Korean.

In conclusion, secondary education in South Korea is characterized by high academic standards and a disciplined approach, offering both local and international students a solid foundation for university studies and future careers.