Was education always a priority in Korea? Baemyeong Middle School stands as a testament to South Korea’s long-held value of education. This commitment propelled the nation from poverty to economic success. Baemyeong Middle School is located in Samjeon-dong Songpa District Seoul. The name Samjeon-dong originated from the fact that it once had only three fields.
Formal education in Korea began long ago. It started in the Three Kingdoms era. Koguryo was the first to study Confucianism. The kingdom also studied Chinese historical records. King Sosurim of Koguryo founded the first public educational institution in 372. It was called Taehak. This school was the first of its kind in East Asia outside of China.
During the Chosun Dynasty education prepared men for leadership. Knowledge and scholarship were highly respected. The government established the English School in 1883. In 1886, King Kojong authorized more state-run modern schools. These included primary normal and vocational schools.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, modern private schools emerged. Koreans and foreign Christian missionaries established them. These schools promoted education for women. They also spread Western ideas.
Japan annexed Korea in 1910. The colonial regime aimed to provide Koreans with minimal education. This was designed to train them for subordinate roles. It also aimed to make them loyal subjects of the emperor. The Japanese invested more in education for Japanese expatriates.
After liberation in 1945, Koreans demanded access to education. Both governments in the north and south prioritized educational development. The Korean War was a setback. Many schools were destroyed. However, this led to a new determination to promote mass education.
The US military occupation revised the educational structure. It used the American system as a model. Equal opportunity became a primary concern. The Korean language was used for classroom instruction.
The government of Syngman Rhee reversed many reforms. Education was compulsory only up to the sixth grade. By 1987 about 34 percent of secondary-school graduates attended higher education institutions.
In the late 1980s a college degree was considered necessary for entering the middle class. Intense competition for university places led to rote memorization. South Korea faced the problem of limited job opportunities for graduates.
The South Korean government places a high priority on education. The Ministry of Education oversees all education. The Constitutional Law of the Republic of Korea guarantees equal access to education. It also guarantees the independence of higher learning institutions.
Since the Korean War, education has greatly expanded. Korea boasts a literacy rate near 100 percent. The government and private sectors invest heavily in education. In 2007 college graduates earned up to 2.5 times more than those with a junior high school degree. Teachers’ salaries also rank highly among OECD countries.
However, South Korea faces challenges. A low birthrate has reduced the number of students. There is also intense pressure on students. In 1934, Baemyeong Middle School opened its doors. It continues to contribute to South Korea’s educational landscape. The school strives to uphold the values of sincerity diligence and service. Baemyeong Middle School prepares students for a bright future.