“Ever wondered what shapes a nation’s future?” That future often begins right here at Cheolsan Elementary School. Education in Korea has deep roots. It emphasizes learning and respect for the educated. Today we will discover more about Cheolsan Elementary School.
Korean society has historically valued education. However widespread education for all was not available until after the Korean War. Before 1945 less than 20 percent of Koreans had received any formal education. The modern system came about from a 1968 charter. This charter identified education as a key part of citizenship. It also defined the government’s role. The government would provide all Korean children access to learning.
Confucianism has greatly influenced Korean education. The glue that held the nobility together was education. This meant socialization into Confucian norms. Virtues began in early childhood. Students read the Confucian classics. The ideal was the virtuous scholar-official. He was skilled in poetry and statecraft. Education began early. Students had to master classical Chinese. This language had tens of thousands of written characters. Students typically learned through rote memorization. During the Chosun Dynasty official records, formal education, and most written works used classical Chinese. Chinese language and philosophy deeply influenced Korea. Most Chosun arts and literature adopted Chinese models.
Formal education in Korea started in the Three Kingdoms era. People of Koguryo studied the Five Classics of Confucianism. They also studied historical records and literature. The first public school was the Taehak. King Sosurim of Koguryo founded it in 372. This was the first formal school in East Asia outside of China. The king adopted Buddhism. He started reforms. These reforms educated youth for official positions. The Taehak followed Chinese models. It taught Chinese language and Confucian classics.
Private schools called kyongdang were built in each locality. These educated unmarried non-aristocratic youth of Koguryo. Kyongdang and Taehak both stressed well-rounded education. They taught letters and martial arts. The curriculum included reading Chinese texts and archery.
During the Shilla Dynasty the hwarangdo system trained young men. It focused on beauty and strength of mind and body. The goal was national defense. Confucianism arrived relatively late in Shilla. After unification Kukhak was established in 682. Around 750 it became the Taehakkam. It offered three courses. The Analects and Classic of Filial Piety were required. A state examination system began in 788. This system selected government officials.
In the Koryo Dynasty the civil service examination was first given in 958. It recruited government workers. The dynasty’s national school was founded in 930. Its purpose was to train future bureaucrats. The Kukchagam was established in 992. This system was based on the Tang model. It was accessible only to aristocrats. Programs trained lower bureaucrats. They enrolled offspring of lower officials. Higher-level trainees studied Confucian classics. Technical fields were for those of lower social position.
During the Chosun Dynasty the goal of education was to create moral men. They would use proper judgment. These qualities were vital in leaders. Respect for knowledge was absolute. The Songgyungwan was established in 1398. Confucian classics became a major focus. However the system became examination-oriented. It mainly served aristocrats. Only they could prepare for the civil service exams.
At an early age a yangban youth entered a private elementary school. This school was called a sodang. Here he learned Chinese characters. At seven he advanced to one of the Four Schools in Seoul. He could also attend a county school elsewhere. These prepared students for their first examination. After some years youths passed the licentiate exam. Then they entered the Songgyungwan in Seoul. Only those at this National Academy could take the highest level exam.
Cheolsan Elementary School continues this long legacy. It prepares students for the future. As you leave Cheolsan Elementary School remember its role. It helps shape the next generation of leaders.