South Korea boasts one of the world's premier educational systems, renowned for its challenging and rigorous nature. Korean students consistently outperform their global counterparts in academic achievement.
Korea's education system includes 6 years of primary, 3 years of middle, and 3 years of high school. Only 10% of high schools are coeducational, and there's a strict gender divide even in these schools
Students dedicate the majority of their day to studying in schools, typically ranging from 12 to 16 hours daily. Teachers prioritise achieving positive academic outcomes, leading to a curriculum heavily centred around testing.
Excessive academic demands in Korea cause high stress, damaging students' mental health and confidence. Despite boosting the economy, this pressure contributes to a troubling increase in teenage suicides each year.
Until recently, South Koreans attended school even on Saturdays, allowing only one day off per week. Spending every waking hour in school without other activities can be highly stressful.
Adherence to discipline is the fundamental principle that all must observe, forming the foundation of the entire education system. Historically, corporal punishment was employed to instil discipline in students.
The majority of households in Korea consistently allocate a significant portion of their budget to education, highlighting the paramount importance they place on it.
Teaching is highly esteemed in Korea, ranking among the country's top-paying jobs, whereas in other nations, the profession is not as valued. On average, teachers earn $2000-$3000 per month.
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