Surely, that imposing building before you is Sunggok Middle School. Education in Korea has deep roots. Learning was not for everyone until after the Korean War.
Let’s dive into Korea’s education history to understand Sunggok Middle School’s place today. Before 1945 less than 20 percent of Koreans had formal education. The modern system comes from a 1968 charter. This charter calls education a vital part of citizenship. It tasked the government to give all Korean children access to education.
Historically Koreans studied abroad in China India and Japan. They often bridged nations. Despite invasions Korea stayed independent until Japan took over from 1910 to 1945. After liberation Korea faced division and the Korean War. That war is still not officially over.
Korean education was shaped by class. Being born into a good family was seen as heavenly. Upward mobility was rare. Koreans believed society’s leaders should be the most educated.
During the Chosun Dynasty having children pass civil service exams meant success. Families splurged on tutors. Education became a conduit to social and material success.
The Korean passion for learning drove rapid economic growth. It stems from respect for educated elites. Commoners once looked in awe at those who could read and write. Educated men held office. Education was only for the top.
Korea has long seen humans as perfectible through education. With the old class system gone educational achievement measures a person’s worth. The government leads in education policy but schools need more freedom. Traditionally neglected people with disabilities now get more attention. Koreans have made great strides in education. The literacy rate is almost 100 percent. They are among the world’s most educated people.
Originally the elite educated prospective leaders. This ensured high-quality leadership. Graduates gained wisdom and a sense of morality. It checked against cruel rule. Education maintained the elite’s exclusivity through self-improvement.
Modern education became accessible to all. Ironically it now creates new classes. However it offers upward mobility even for the humblest. As literacy nears 100 percent the focus shifts to life skill literacy.
The Korean government now aims for global competitiveness. Research and development are promoted especially in science and technology. Talented individuals in the humanities and arts also get support. Applied research involves cooperation between researchers and industry. Koreans have joined advanced nations in information technology. This happened despite the 1997 financial crisis.
Confucianism shapes education ideas in Korea. Education meant learning Confucian norms and virtues from childhood. The ideal was the virtuous scholar-official good at poetry and statecraft. Korean students mastered classical Chinese early. They memorized tens of thousands of characters. Official records education and discourse used classical Chinese. Chinese language and philosophy deeply impacted Korea.
Korean Neo-Confucianists believed in human goodness. They emphasized education for sagacity and moral rectitude. Confucianism stressed fairness. Human emotions and rationality needed cultivation. Koreans rigidly adhered to propriety. This earned them the nickname Eastern nation of etiquette.
In Confucian societies education was key for leadership. It took great effort in schools. Government exams tested students’ mastery of Confucian classics. For most of the Chosun dynasty there were exams in Confucian classics. This led to the coveted chinsa degree.
Buddhism also influenced Korean education. It was introduced in A.D. 372 through China. Temples served as learning centers. Great scholar-monks developed Buddhist schools.
Formal education played a central role in Korea’s development. Traditional Confucian-style state exams selected officials from A.D. 788 until 1894.
During the Chosun Dynasty the court created schools teaching Confucian subjects. The Snggyungwan was the Confucian national university in Seoul. Students at private and state schools were exempt from military service. They were often involved in politics like modern students.
The importance attached to education explains Korea’s rapid development. This attitude comes from the Confucian tradition. Government positions and scholarship were linked. Education was the key to fame and fortune.
These days Sunggok Middle School carries on this tradition. It prepares students for their future in a rapidly changing world.