Baejae Middle School

Hidden within the bustling cityscape of Seoul, Baejae Middle School stands as a testament to Korea’s enduring passion for education. Did you know that Baejae Middle School traces its roots back to the Baejae Hakdang, founded in 1885? This remarkable institution, originally established with the support of King Gojong himself, aimed to cultivate “useful men” for a rapidly modernizing Korea. The king, recognizing the growing importance of English language skills, granted the school its name, “Baejae Hakdang,” meaning “the hall for the rearing of useful men.” Baejae Middle School’s history is intertwined with the rise of Western education in Korea. In the late 19th century, as Korea opened its doors to the world, missionaries played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape. Henry G. Appenzeller, an American Methodist missionary, began teaching English to just two students in 1885, laying the foundation for what would become Baejae Hakdang. The school’s curriculum initially focused solely on English instruction, attracting ambitious young men eager for government careers. As Baejae Hakdang’s reputation grew, it garnered the support of the government, which sent students and even contributed to instructors’ salaries. The school’s focus expanded beyond English, incorporating Chinese classics, astronomy, geography, biology, mathematics, and even manual work and Bible studies. Baejae Middle School’s legacy extends beyond its academic achievements. Its students and graduates played an active role in Korea’s fight for independence. Syngman Rhee, a prominent graduate of Baejae Hakdang, would later lead the Korean Provisional Government in exile. Ju Sigyeong, another notable alumnus, became a leading scholar in the standardization of the Korean language, Hangeul. Baejae Middle School stands as a symbol of the transformative power of education. It represents Korea’s enduring commitment to learning, its embrace of modern knowledge, and its unwavering pursuit of a brighter future.