Korean Education
Elementary School
Duration: 6 years
Ages: Typically from 6 to 11 years old
Compulsory Education: Elementary school is mandatory, and all children must attend.
Middle School
Duration: 3 years
Ages: Typically from 12 to 14 years old
Compulsory Education: Middle school is also mandatory.
High School
Duration: 3 years
Ages: Typically from 15 to 17 years old
Curriculum: Provides in-depth academic instruction and vocational education, with a distinction between general high schools and specialized high schools (e.g., science high schools, art high schools, foreign language high schools).
Admission: Generally based on middle school grades and internal evaluations.
University
Duration: 4 years (some programs may be longer)
Ages: Typically from 18 years old onwards
Curriculum: Offers specialized academic and practical education, with a wide range of majors and fields of study. Universities in Korea include national universities, private universities, and junior colleges (2-3 years).
Admission: Determined by scores from the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) and individual university entrance exams.
Additional Educational Institutions
Kindergarten: For children aged 3 to 5 years old, providing early childhood education, though it is not part of the compulsory education system.
Special Education Schools: Designed for students with disabilities, offering tailored educational programs.
Lifelong Education: Programs for adult learners, available through various lifelong education centers.
In South Korea, the education system boasts a high level of academic fervor and intense competition, leading to an overall elevated standard of education. Nonetheless, owing to the disproportionate significance attributed to university admissions, the teenage suicide rate remains notably elevated.
