Here at Noowon High School we will explore education in South Korea. Education has deep roots in Korean history. The value of education here is immense.
Korean society has always valued learning. Well-educated people were highly respected. However, education was not accessible to everyone until after the Korean War. Before 1945 less than 20 percent of Koreans had formal education. The modern education system started in 1968. It stated education was important for citizenship. The government’s role was to provide education to all Korean children.
Koreans studied abroad in China India and Japan. They often served as bridges between nations. Despite invasions Korea remained independent. But Korea succumbed to Japanese domination from 1910 to 1945. Shortly after liberation Korea suffered national division. The Korean civil war lasted from 1950 to 1953. It is still not officially ended.
Korean education has two main cultural characteristics. The first is extreme class consciousness. Birth into a good family was seen as a reward. In pre-modern times nobility was hereditary. Upward mobility was rare. The second characteristic is the belief that society’s leaders should be educated.
During the Chosun Dynasty 1392 to 1910 passing the civil service exam was a path to success. Families invested heavily in education for their children. Wealthier families hired special tutors. The Korean passion for education drove rapid economic development. It also fueled urbanization. Traditionally educated men held office and ruled. Education was for the elite.
Confucianism greatly influenced education in Korea. It held that people could become perfect through education. As the class system faded education became a measure of worth. The government plays a key role in education policy. Recent reforms emphasize more autonomy for schools. Under democratic ideals the disabled receive more attention. Koreans have achieved almost 100 percent literacy. They are among the most educated people in the world.
Originally education prepared leaders from aristocratic families. Graduates gained wisdom and morality for governance. Modern education is accessible to everyone. It offers upward mobility even for the humblest. As literacy nears 100 percent the focus shifts to life skill literacy. The Korean government aims for global competitiveness. Research and development are promoted especially in science and technology. Talented individuals in humanities and arts receive encouragement. Applied research and cooperation between academia and industry are promoted. Koreans have joined advanced nations in information technology.
Confucianism shaped education ideas. Education meant learning Confucian norms. The ideal was the virtuous scholar-official adept at poetry and statecraft. Education started early because students had to master classical Chinese. Throughout the Chosun Dynasty official records were in classical Chinese. Chinese language and philosophy deeply impacted Korea. Most Chosun arts and literature used Chinese models.
Confucianism came to Korea earlier. The Yi Dynasty adopted neo-Confucianism as the official code. It maintained social order and promoted harmony. Korean Neo-Confucianists believed in human dignity and goodness. They emphasized education for sagacity and moral rectitude. Confucianism stressed fairness. Koreans adhered to principles of propriety.
In Confucian societies education was key for leadership. It was acquired through effort and expense. Government exams tested students’ mastery of Confucian classics. Passers of exams were highly regarded. They enjoyed social status. Families invested in education for success. The system assumed moral people should be leaders. Moral knowledge came from studying philosophy history and literature. Reenactments of the exam are held even today.
Formal education played a key role in Korea’s development. The Gwageo state exams selected officials from 788 AD to 1894. During the Chosun Dynasty the court had schools teaching Confucian subjects. There was no state primary education system. Private academies became important. Higher education was at the Snggyungwan national university in Seoul. Students at both types of schools were exempt from military service. They were involved in politics.
Education’s importance is a reason for Korea’s rapid development. This springs from the Confucian tradition. Government positions required merit through study. Scholarship served the state. Education was key to fame and fortune. Enjoy Noowon High School.