Perhaps you have heard that South Korea’s focus on education fueled its economic rise. Here at Jeongui Girls Middle School we see that focus in action. Let me tell you a story about the transformative power of education in South Korea and how it shaped institutions like Jeongui Girls Middle School.
After the Korean War ended in 1953 South Korea was very poor. It had a lower per capita GDP than many countries in Africa and Latin America. Education became a priority. By the late 1980s the adult literacy rate was around 93 percent. South Korean students excelled in international competitions in math and science.
The Korean War had devastated the country. Many schools were destroyed. Teachers often taught outdoors without textbooks or writing paper. This hardship created a new determination to promote mass education. The government spent more money on education than on anything except national defense.
In 1945 when Korea was liberated fewer than 20 percent of Koreans had attended any kind of school. Those with education moved into leadership positions. This made education a high priority for families.
After the United States occupied the Korean Peninsula in 1945 they established a school system based on the American model. It featured six years of primary school and six years of secondary school. There were junior and senior levels plus four years of higher education. Initially coeducation was introduced at all levels.
The government later reversed some of these reforms. Education remained compulsory only up to the sixth grade due to lack of resources. By 1990 the school system reflected the American model established during the occupation.
The Ministry of Education became responsible for schools. It controlled resources enrollment quotas and curriculum development. South Korea’s progress since the Korean War is largely due to its investment in education.
In 1987 about 34 percent of secondary school graduates attended higher education institutions. This rate was similar to Japan’s. Social emphasis on education also created problems. A college degree became necessary for entering the middle class. Intense competition for university places led to rote memorization.
South Korea’s constitution emphasizes equal education. It guarantees independence and political impartiality in education. The Education Law of 1949 established a school system. This system includes preschool elementary middle high schools and special schools.
Since the Korean War education has grown enormously. Korea boasts a literacy rate near 100 percent. This is a significant change from the late 1930s. Almost all Koreans finish high school.
In the 1990s the government relaxed control over higher education. The transition rate from high school to higher education increased. Most Korean parents want their children to attain a college degree.
Recently South Korea has focused on a creative economy. Some question whether the focus on education has become too stressful. The government promotes a creative approach to learning. Education administration is moving from the national ministry to individual schools.
Since the 1990s specialized high schools have emerged. These schools focus on science foreign languages arts and athletics. They aim to develop gifted students’ potential.
The emphasis on education also has some downsides. South Korea has the highest suicide rate in the developed world. Some suggest this is related to the high-stress focus on education.
Despite challenges South Korea continues to invest in education. The Ministry of Education has a large budget. Koreans are willing to spend on private and informal schooling. Teachers are highly valued.
South Korea’s education system has come a long way. From post-war struggles to today’s high literacy rates the journey has been remarkable. Walking through the halls of Jeongui Girls Middle School you are walking through the recent history of South Korea itself.