High school is extremely intense in South Korea. Here, at Sang-il Media High School, we see a microcosm of that intensity. South Korean high schools demand dedication from their students. Many face sixteen-hour school days. This is because competition for university placement is fierce. The pressure to succeed is deeply embedded in South Korean culture.
Sang-il Media High School is located in the neighborhood of Sangil-dong. The name means Upper Part in Korean. This refers to its location upstream from Gangil-dong. Sangil-dong became part of Seoul in 1963.
Now, consider the pressure these students face. Many attend private extra lessons in the evening. These lessons help them prepare for exams. South Korean students fear failing these examinations. These private lessons are a booming business. They also provide a place for students to socialize.
Let’s consider some interesting facts about South Korean schools. Students are very picky about shoe etiquette. They remove their shoes and wear slippers inside. Students also clean their own classrooms. This teaches responsibility from a young age. Some students even have English names given by teachers.
Corporal punishment is less common now. It still occurs in some schools. It used to be more severe. The goal was to correct behavior through mental endurance. Role-playing lessons are high quality. Some schools use blue-screen technology for immersion. Teachers and principals often move schools every five years via lottery.
Some South Korean schools are better than others. These are called model schools. They showcase high-performing students and staff. Teachers must look respectable. Even elementary teachers wear suits. Games are often used in lessons. This helps students learn better. Teachers are highly respected. Some say teachers are as high as God. Teachers’ pensions are very good with salary increases.
Until recently students attended school on Saturdays. Every Saturday was made a day off in 2012. This made students and teachers happier. Many South Korean students attend private extra lessons.
South Korea’s education system has evolved. In 1949, the Education Law made elementary schools free and compulsory. After middle school, students choose academic or vocational high school. Public and private schools have little difference in curriculum. High schools randomize admissions in equalized areas.
The government sets curriculum and standards. This ensures uniformity. If students fall behind, they attend cram schools. There is a debate about its effectiveness. Some criticize the system for being rigid. They say it discourages creativity. Others praise its disciplined approach. They say it created a literate workforce. The curriculum emphasizes rote learning.
Still, the goal is a well-rounded student. The curriculum aims to create healthy, independent, creative, and moral individuals. Primary subjects include moral education and Korean language. Social studies, math, science, and physical education are also taught. Music, fine arts, and practical arts complete the curriculum. English instruction begins in the third grade.
So, as you stand before Sang-il Media High School remember the dedication. Remember the pressure and ambition within these walls. This is a place where the future of South Korea is being shaped.