homework in korea

Here's how homework differs around the world

The INSIDER Summary:

• The infographic below shows how education systems around the world differ. • It compares the amount of homework given per week, how much is spent on education, and how many days of school there is per week in countries around the world. • South Korea's education system was ranked number one.

More homework doesn't necessarily mean a better education.

According to the infographic below, created by Ozicare Insurance, the countries that offer the best education systems around the world don't always dole out piles of homework to students.

Students in Italy — whose education system ranked relatively low on the 2014 Pearson review — complete about 8.1 hours of homework per week, while students in South Korea — whose education system ranked number one in the world on the 2014 Pearson review— only spend 2.9 hours on homework weekly.

Keep scrolling to find out more about education across the globe.

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Homework Around the World

January 12, 2017 

The verdict is in, and when it comes to homework, it appears that less is more. Research shows that several of the countries scoring top in the world for education, surprisingly dole out the least amount of homework to their students.

South Korea leads the world in education, and on average, students receive less than 3 hours of homework per week.

On the other hand, the United States leads the charge with the most money spent on education per student and students receive a significantly greater amount of homework, but clocks in at number 17 in the world for education. So, why the disparity?

Let’s take a look at this infographic to see how homework and different types of education systems factor into academic rankings around the world.

South Korean education ranks high, but it’s the kids who pay

Visiting Professor, Sungkyunkwan University

Disclosure statement

David Santandreu Calonge does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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In Korea, perhaps more so than anywhere else, educational success equals socioeconomic status. South Koreans view education as the main driver of social mobility, for themselves and their family. Graduating from a top university is the ultimate marker of high status and the pressure is on from an early age.

Competition and studying hard to be the best is deeply ingrained in the psyche of Korean students; the entire environment surrounding the child (parents, family, and teachers) is actively involved and geared towards the same goal: to be test-ready and succeed. Students have a clear path and a clear purpose in mind at the start of their educational journey.

Why do South Korean students consistently dominate league tables?

According to global expert on education reform Sir Michael Barber , Korean culture “prizes effort above inherited ‘smartness’”, and believes long hours studying and hard work will eventually pay off.

Research has found the attitudes and strong beliefs of Asian parents make an important contribution to their children’s academic success. Researchers from Stanford University say Asian children find motivation to succeed in parental expectations.

Australian children with East Asian parents outperform their Australian peers , with researchers finding East Asian children spent 15 hours a week studying after school (9 hours for Australians), and have a stronger work ethic and higher aspirations (94% of them expect to go on to university).

Experts and heads of state, from US President Barack Obama to former Australian prime minister, Julia Gillard, often cite Finnish schools or the “Asian Model” as the panacea to improve our education systems.

The fact that American children “spend over a month less in school than children in South Korea” will, according to Obama, in “no way prepare them for a 21st-century economy”. This belief seems to increasingly resonate in the corridors of power in many parts of the educational world.

Is the South Korean educational model replicable?

“To be a South Korean child ultimately is not about freedom, personal choice or happiness; it is about production, performance and obedience,” argued Yale academic See-Wong Koo . This statement seems miles away from recent reports by education company Pearson and the OECD placing South Korea at the top of the education league tables.

While Finland is considered a non-competitive system of education , South Korea’s is often described as very stressful, authoritarian, brutally competitive and meritocratic. It emphasises high pressure and high performance, particularly for the 640,621 students who took the eight-hour long suneung (College Scholastic Ability Test) nationwide in November 2014.

This event is critical in the life of South Korean families - entry to one of the three most prestigious “SKY” universities (Seoul National, Korea and Yonsei) will basically determine social status for most of their lives and will secure a highly-paid job in one of the chaebols (family-owned business conglomerates).

Education at all levels and particularly in science and engineering, is viewed as a key to upward mobility in the still highly stratified Korean society. As a consequence, a new phenomenon has emerged in recent years: Dwaeji Omma , or “Pig Mums”.

A Pig Mum does her research thoroughly and keeps her eyes on the ultimate target: a Korean Ivy-league university for her child and her “adopted” children (those belonging to her Pig Mum network); she plans every step of her kid’s educational journey and all the extracurricular (studying) activities, attends all the best schools’ open days, organises strategic planning reunions, bullies, lobbies and even bribes private schools and private teachers to skip admission lines if necessary.

Should South Korea’s system be adopted to remedy Western education’s ailments?

The intense pressure to succeed no matter the cost is taking its financial and social toll: as university places are limited, Koreans spend over $18 trillion won (A$20 billion), around 20% of household income to pay for after-school private academies called hakwon . 75% of all children attend a hakwon, mainly at DaeJi Dong , Seoul’s study Mecca.

Research has found that Asian-American students are more likely to have conflicted relationships with their parents over unmet expectations and more self-image issues than white students.

The 2014 Youth Happiness Index found for instance that only 67.6% of Korean youth said they are satisfied with their life (OECD average is 85.8%), mostly because of study pressure.

The conclusion of a 2013 study was that Tiger Parenting (strict parenting, often in Asian cultures) is less effective and more demanding than a supportive parenting environment.

South Korea has one of the highest rates of suicide (28.9%) in the OECD . South Korean novelist Young Ha Kim wrote in an op-ed that suicide is the “No.1 cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 30”.

Korea also ranks among the highest for household debt, depression, divorce, and alcohol consumption. It has been argued South Korean education produces overachieving students who pay a stiff price in health and happiness.

Neither does a focus on credentials, tests and entrance exams give South Korean students the skills (like creativity and teamwork) to succeed in higher education or in an increasingly difficult local job market .

So while other countries may envy South Korea’s positions in the league tables, there are cultural factors that mean this focus on hard work probably can’t be replicated elsewhere, and given the societal collateral damage, probably wouldn’t want to.

Further reading on what Australia can learn from education abroad.

• South Korea
• What can Australia learn from education abroad?
• Best Practice in Education

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Well-known for its high-achieving students, South Korea’s education system is quite demanding. Students spend much of their time, often between 12 to 16 hours per day, at school or at a special after-school academy called a hagwon . The school system is very test-focused and goal-oriented, urging students to concentrate on their results.

The high level of academic competitiveness in South Korea begins in middle school and becomes especially intense in high school. While this atmosphere has contributed directly to the country’s impressive economic growth in just a few decades, and some of the best schools and higher education institutions in Asia, it has also sadly led to a high rate of suicide. In addition to being considered one of the most educated countries in the world, South Korea also totes the reputation for the highest rate of suicide among teenagers, with academic distress being cited as the number one factor.

For international students, this pressure may not be felt as acutely, but parents should be aware that even some Korean-dominated international schools can promote this level of academic achievement pressure. In general, however, foreign students from primary school age to postgraduate will find a welcoming home in Korean schools. In addition to the strong focus on academics, there is also great emphasis placed on moral and social development among students, as well as an appreciation for Korean society and culture.

Read on to learn more about what international students can expect from education in South Korea.

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The Education System in South Korea

What is the education system like in South Korea? Education in the Land of the Morning Calm is very important and is perceived as an indication of status. Graduating at the top of the class is very prestigious. Parents encourage their children to excel in their studies so that they can guarantee themselves a secure future and respect in society. Getting a university degree here is a must, otherwise a person is regarded as a second-class citizen.

This high value of academic knowledge has resulted in Korea being one of the most educated countries in the world. This had propelled the country’s economy and led to the system’s international recognition. However, there are some drawbacks. For example, the Korean population is overeducated, with a lot of people being overqualified for the jobs they do. The desire to get the best grades also puts a lot of pressure on Korean students from a young age. Children are often exhausted from studies, which leads to poor mental and physical health. This competitiveness and constant comparison to others follows many into their professional lives.

Teachers are highly regarded in Korea and are often admired as authority figures. This is why studying to become a teacher is one of the most desirable courses in the country. However, because of this popularity, getting a teacher’s license can also be challenging. Those who do obtain a license to practice can expect to get a highly-paid job. Teachers work on rotation and change schools every four years.

What Is the School System Like?

In Korea, the school system is divided into primary, middle, and high schools. High schools are separated into academic and vocational training schools. The possibility of higher education depends on which type of high school you attend. Daycare and kindergarten are available for younger children, yet they are not compulsory.

To graduate high school in South Korea, students do not need to take an exam. However, those who wish to pursue further education (which is the majority of students in Korea) need to take the College Scholastic Aptitude Test (CSAT). This is an eight-hour-long test (08:00–17:00) taken all over the country on the second Tuesday of November. Students are tested on their knowledge of Korean, English, mathematics, Korean history, a second foreign language or Chinese characters, and two additional subjects. There are breaks in between each part of the test. Lunch is served around noon.

The CSAT is taken very seriously. On the day of the test, businesses open later so that there are no traffic jams and students are able to get to the test on time. Public transportation even runs more frequently than normal, and students that get stuck can get escorted by police. Even air traffic is cleared to guarantee complete silence and focus.

Grading System in South Korea

The grading system in Korea varies according to your schooling level.

Middle School Grading System

Grades % Letter Equivalents Meaning 90–100 A Outstanding 80–89 B Excellent 70­–79 C Average 60–69 D Below Average <60 E Poor

As students are not held back in middle school, even a poor score counts as a passing grade.

High School and University Grading System

The grade systems in high schools and universities vary depending on the school. Usually it is either letter grading (more common in universities) or point systems that go up to 4.0, 4.3, or 4.5.

An important thing to remember about high school and university grading is that the grades are relative and not absolute. That means that a student’s grade depends on how well their classmates perform on the given task, too. Most teachers have a set amount of A’s, B’s, and C’s they need to assign their students. Even if the student’s work deserves a high grade, they might not be able to get it if most of their peers did better than them. This heightens the competitiveness in class, especially in high school.

This stiff competition eases up a little once the student is accepted at a university. Universities do not like to fail their students and frequently allow them to retake the necessary courses if they do not get the grade needed to pass. Their record will only show the best grade they got.

Also note that the College Scholastic Aptitude Test uses both absolute and relative grading systems. Absolute grading (a set grade) is used when assessing English and Korean history scores, while the rest of the marks are relative. From 2022 second foreign language or Chinese symbols will also be graded on the absolute system.

School Year and School Hours

The academic year in Korea lasts from March until February. The first term lasts five months, March to July, and is followed by a month of summer holidays. The second term starts in September and ends in February, with a one-and-a-half-month winter break starting at mid-December and ending late January.

The time a student spends at school depends on what school level they are in. Primary school pupils start at 08:00 and finish around 13:00. Middle and high schoolers stay in school a little longer, from 08:00 to around 16:30.

The first 30 minutes at school are for self-studying, during which the teacher checks attendance and takes care of administrative matters. Classes start at 08:30. Each lesson is 45 minutes long with 10-minute breaks in between. Lunch is served at 12:30 and lasts an hour. Most days for middle and high school students consist of seven classes.

Still, that does not mean that students head home right after the lessons are over. Many children go to after-school academies called hagwon .

These after-school academies are attended by most students. Here, middle and high schoolers focus on academics while primary school students can choose between academics, art, or sports subjects. Hagwons can also be made mandatory by the school the student is attending even though these schools are not free.

When it comes to academics, typically the emphasis at hagwon is on mathematics and Korean and English languages. Other subjects include physical and social sciences.

For middle and high schoolers, classes at hagwon start at 17:00. Dinner is served around 18:00, after which students go back to studying until 20:00 or 22:00, depending on the school. Legally, schools are not allowed to hold classes after 22:00. However, not all schools abide by these rules.

School Age System in South Korea

In South Korea, compulsory education lasts nine years and consists of primary and middle schools.

Education Korean Age * Western Age Daycare 1–4 0–3 Kindergarten 5–7 4–6 Primary School 8–13 7–12 Middle School 14–16 13–15 High School 17–19 16–18

* Note that age is calculated differently in Korea. People are considered one year old from the moment they are born, and everyone gets one year added to their age on Korean New Year. Throughout this guide we will use Western age with the Korean age noted in parentheses.

Education Facts in South Korea

• In Korea, each time the student starts a new schooling level they are again referred to as “first grade” students. That means that, for example, seventh-graders are called first grade middle school students.
• When it comes to teaching culture, individual assignments take up the majority of study time. It is rare for students to work in groups or have discussions.
• Uniforms are mandatory in all middle and high schools.
• Students stay in the same room throughout the day while teachers are the ones to go from classroom to classroom.
• Kids spend most of their days at school, so, unsurprisingly, classrooms are treated like homes. Students clean their space either before or after classes. There is also a strict no-shoe policy and most children wear slippers or inside shoes.
• Skipping school is extremely rare in Korea. Students that want to show their rebellious side, tend to just use their smartphones during class.
• Corporal punishment was officially banned in Korean schools in 2011. However, some teachers still practice it.
• Attending school every other Saturday was mandatory in some schools up until 2012. These days, schools are not allowed to hold classes on weekends. However, some schools still do.

Differences Between Public and Private Schools

Unlike in many other countries, in Korea, most students go to both public and private schools. The aforementioned hagwons are privately owned for-profit institutions that you need to pay to attend. The prices vary greatly depending on the quality of teaching and the schooling level. This can be anywhere from under 1 million KRW (850 USD) to 10 or 15 million KRW (8,550–12,850 USD) per month.

However, South Korea does have private schools that fit the western definition of it, too. They can be either co-educational or gender specific, and some have a boarding option available. Some of them might be more internationally-oriented with more English language classes and follow the standard western school year.

Private schools are usually quite prestigious and apart from the required documents, such as personal and school records, children need to pass an entrance exam, write a motivational letter, and go through an interview process.

Daycare and Kindergarten

When it comes to preschool, both public and private daycares and kindergartens are available in South Korea. The main differences between them are the curriculum and fees: public institutions need to follow the government-set standards and are cheaper, while private schools have more freedom in creating their curriculum and their fees tend to run higher.

Is Pre-school Mandatory?

No part of pre-school education, neither kindergarten nor daycare, is compulsory in South Korea.

What Age do Children Start Daycare and Kindergarten?

Children as young as one month old can be looked after at local nurseries. Daycare centers usually ask for the child to be at least 100 days old. Toddlers can attend daycare up until they are three years old (four in Korean age). Kindergartens are for kids aged 3–6 (4–7 in Korean age).

Unlike what is practiced in some countries, kindergarten is not split into junior and senior years.

What to Expect for Daycare in Korea?

Daycares in Korea are not an educational facility, but they provide care for toddlers. The staff play games with the kids, serve lunch and snacks, and attend to their general wellbeing. Some daycares have classes, such as English, math, music, and arts, which are all play-based activities. These classes usually cost extra. There are both full- and part-time daycare programs available. Most daycares are closed on holidays.

You will need to provide your child’s personal items, such as extra clothes and a toothbrush. If your child still needs diapers, you will have to buy them for the daycare as well.

Note that there are some differences in culture that you will need to accept if you choose for your child to attend Korean daycare. For example, instead of beds, children usually sleep on a mat on the floor.

Educational Approach in Kindergarten

The educational approaches in kindergartens might differ depending on whether you choose a public or private preschool, but not drastically. Public schools, for example, will focus primarily on childcare, socialization, and developmental skills. Private kindergartens will focus on the same things, but with stronger emphasis on development and preparing students to enter primary schools. Children in private school may also have the option to start learning languages, such as English.

Daycare and Kindergarten Fees

As neither daycare nor kindergarten is compulsory in Korea, attending them is not free. The price will depend on your school of choice, your child’s age, and whether you choose a full or part-time schooling program.

The costs of daycare are around 250,000–500,000 KRW (210–430 USD) per month. The younger your child is, the more you should be prepared to spend. In addition, you will have to pay a registration fee that ranges from 50,000 to 250,000 KRW (43–210 USD). Extra classes will cost you 20,000 KRW (17 USD) per each class every month. If your school provides pick-up and drop-off services, you will be charged for those separately as well.

While Korean families get their early education school costs covered by the government, foreigners do not get that luxury. The only way the government will grant subsidies for a child under five years of age (1–6 in Korean age) is if at least one of the parents is a Korean national. If that is the case, you can expect to get 220,000–440,000 KRW (190–380 USD) per month, depending on your child’s age and the type of care (full- or part-time) you need.

Talk to other international parents with young children in South Korea

Primary and Secondary Schools

Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, you are probably already wondering about the best primary and secondary schools in South Korea. Expats are able to send their children to public school, but they will need to have some knowledge of Korean as this is the language of instruction for all classes except the foreign language ones. The school cost to attend a public institution is free except for school lunches. Private education costs will vary depending on the school and your child’s age, but annual prices generally range between 15,000,000 to 42,000,000 KRW (12,600 to 35,300 USD).

Throughout each level of schooling, students will study the following subjects in varying degrees:

• Korean language arts;
• social studies;
• mathematics;
• physical education;
• foreign language (most commonly English).

Students will also have a class termed “Practical Course,” which includes such topics as Wise Living and Pleasant Living. Students are also able to enroll in independent / special activity courses.

Primary School (Elementary School)

Primary school, called chodeung haggyo , is compulsory and lasts six years. Each year is called Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, etc. Students are taught basic skills and subjects (listed above) throughout all six years. In a government-sponsored effort to improve the country’s foreign language proficiency, students start learning English in Grade 3.

Grades 1 and 2 are more focused on getting students adjusted to the schooling system. There is more emphasis placed on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In Grades 3 to 6, students will also start to focus on morality and discipline. Students will usually remain in one classroom with one teacher covering the majority of the subjects. Special subjects such as physical education and foreign languages will be taught by different teachers.

Keep in mind that to attend a public school in Korea, students must receive several vaccines. These are mostly the same standard vaccines that citizens are recommended to get around the globe:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Pneumococcal Pneumonia
• Human Papillomavirus
• Herpes Zoster
• Haemophilius influenza type B

The school may ask you to show proof of some of these vaccines in the form of a medical certificate.

Secondary School

Secondary school in South Korea consists of middle school and high school. Middle school lasts for three years, starting again with Grade 1. Like primary school, students will typically stay in the same classroom, but be taught by different teachers for each subject.

This is the school level when students begin studying more rigorously for the university exams they will take at the end of high school. They can enroll in “cram schools ( hagwon ),” which serve as private tutoring sessions in preparation for the exams.

Middle schools in South Korea used to be competitively ranked and exams to enter the schools were made more difficult depending on the quality of the school. However, middle school education today has become more uniform and entrance exams were abolished. No matter where your child goes to middle school in Korea, they should receive the same education as they would anywhere else in the country.

High School

For high school, students can choose between a general school or a specialized program that focuses primarily on one subject. To enter a specialized school, the student will be required to take an entrance exam. This schooling level is not considered compulsory in South Korea, but over 90% of 15-to 18-year-olds in South Korea attend. In some situations, students are able to dictate the hours in which they attend their high school classes in order to accommodate a job.

Top Rated Primary and Secondary Schools in South Korea

Many of Korea’s top rated schools are private or international institutions. However, some government schools are still considered very prestigious.

• Seoul High School
• Joongdong High School
• Dwight School (Seoul)

International Schools

If you are worried about your child’s ability to adapt to the Korean school system, one of the country’s international schools may best suit their needs. International schools, also called “foreign schools” in Korea, can often help expat children adapt to a new country more easily. In an international school, students are immersed in an environment with fellow foreigners, which will give them a better sense of community and shared experiences. International schools are also experienced with the ups and downs kids face when living in a new place—especially a new country—and therefore will be a bit better equipped to handle an expat child’s needs.

However, just because your child attends an international school in Korea does not mean they will not meet any Korean. Many affluent Korean families send their children to international schools to also be immersed in a more global atmosphere, while also improving their foreign language skills (primarily English).

Expat parents may be surprised to find that some international schools are predominantly populated by a Korean student body. These schools will still follow an international curriculum and use a foreign language for instruction, but the overall mindset may lean more towards Korean culture. This means a heavy emphasis on entrance and exit exams, which can lead to a stressful environment. Many students at these institutions will still attend hagwons or receive extra tutoring outside of their normal school hours. If you do not want your student to be in this sort of high-intensity environment, you may want to look for schools with a more diverse student body.

What Types of International Schools are in South Korea?

Schools in Korea for international students largely follow either an American or British curriculum. These are found all throughout the peninsular country, but the greatest concentration will be found in (or around) Seoul. Older schools will typically be religious in name (such as a Christian or Catholic school) but may not be terribly religious in practice. Students will be asked to attend church services and religious holidays will be observed, but rarely are there religious study classes involved.

In addition to American, British, and religious schools, it is also possible to find international Japanese, German, French, and Chinese schools.

Recommended International Schools in South Korea

• Korean International School (Jeju Campus)
• Deutsche Schule Seoul International
• Lycee International Xavier
• Taejon Christian International School
• Chadwick International School

International School Requirements and Admission

Be prepared to be put on a waiting list when searching for the right international school for you. An appealing aspect of international schools is their small class size, but this also means limited space. When searching for a school, keep your options open. Be sure to look at a few different schools so that you can not only compare but have a better chance of acceptance.

The requirements for admission will differ from school to school, but in general you should provide the following documents:

• child’s passport and Alien Residence Card (ARC);
• at least one parent’s passport and ARC;
• child’s immunization records;
• transcript or report card from previous school.

International School Tuition Fees

Perhaps one of the greatest drawbacks to an international school in South Korea is the cost. Foreign schools in Korea are the most expensive education option. Prices vary depending on the school and your child’s age (as well as sometimes how many children you have enrolled in the school). On average, you can expect a starting price of around 24,000,000 KRW per year (20,100 USD).

Higher Education

If you are thinking of moving to South Korea for higher education, you will be happy to learn that the country has a reputation for having some of the best universities in Asia. This reputation has partially been earned because South Korea is considered, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), one of the most educated countries in the world. In their report, the OECD states that nearly 70% of 24-to 35-year-olds in the country of over 50 million people have completed some form of higher education. The university system within the country also consistently ranks high in the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment.

This excellence in higher education is the result of the country’s strong focus on improving their economic society following the 1950s. Before this time, Korea was looked at mostly as a country of rural farmers. In an effort to change their international image, the South Korean government started placing greater emphasis on its education system, reshaping the standards and curriculum from primary school all the way through university. While this has created a culture of tremendous stress and pressure on the student-level, it has also led to South Korea being one of the fastest, most successful growing economies in modern society.

Why Study in South Korea?

International students interested in science, technology, or engineering will find excellent programs at Korean universities. Korea’s educational system as a whole places great emphasis on research and innovation, so those interested in being at the forefront of technological advances or scientific discoveries will find happy homes here. Some Korean universities, such as KAIST (listed below), even place special emphasis on robotic technology and research that will ultimately improve societies around the globe.

Requirements

In addition to an excellent grade point average (GPA) and academic record, studying at a South Korean university will also generally require the following from international students:

• ability to attain a visa (i.e. no criminal record);
• proficiency in English as many university courses are taught in this language;
• IELTS scores (if coming from a non-English speaking country);
• basic knowledge of Korean;
• valid passport;
• immunization records.

When to Apply

South Korean universities run on a two-semester academic calendar. The academic year typically starts in March, but some universities will allow students to enter in either semester. Prospective students interested in spring enrollment must submit their application in the fall of the previous year, and students wanting to start in fall must submit their application in the summer of the same year in which they hope to start attending classes.

Best Universities for International Students in South Korea

Expats should be aware that the competition to get into South Korean universities is stiff both for foreigners and Korean nationals alike. In a society that is described as having an almost “cult-like devotion to learning,” Korean nationals are highly educated and extremely well-prepared to enter the university system. Thus, foreigners who also hope to enroll in Korean universities should ensure they have an outstanding profile in order to compete.

However, while competition will be stiff, do not let that dissuade you. South Korea is extremely open to foreigners, especially in regard to international students. Many Korean universities even offer generous scholarships just for international students.

Top Universities in South Korea for International Students

• Seoul National University
• Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST)
• Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
• Korea University
• Sungkyunkwan University

University Tuition Fees in South Korea

How much does it cost to study in South Korea for international students? That depends on the school and diploma level you hope to receive. Generally, annual tuition for an undergraduate degree will range between 2,000,000 to 5,900,000 KRW. For postgraduate, tuition will be between 2,500,000 to 7,000,000 KRW. Both KRW amounts convert to about 2,100 to 5,900 USD.

Ask other international parents already living in South Korea

Join one of our many local parent groups and get advice on which schools to choose.

Language Schools

If you are not fluent in Korean, you will want to look at attending one of South Korea’s many language schools once you have settled in the country. Knowing Korean will not only help your job prospects in the peninsular country, but it will also go a long way to helping you feel more at home. However, for expats intent on staying in Korea long-term, learning the language is crucial.

In addition to Korean, foreigners moving to South Korea will also require a decent grasp of English. Korean society and business culture is becoming increasingly more international. Therefore, English and Korean are two unifying languages throughout many aspects of Korean life. If you are neither fluent in English nor Korean, attempting to learn both in tandem will be difficult, but beneficial.

Language School Fees

Depending on the school you choose and the type of course, fees will start at around 1,800 KRW (150 USD) and go up from there. Course types range from once-a-week group classes to daily intensive courses. As experienced expats, we know that learning the local language is one of the best ways to start adapting to a new country.

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Everything you want to know about South Korea

How much homework does South Korea have?

The homework culture in south korea.

South Korea is known for its rigorous education system, and homework is a significant part of it. Students in South Korea have been found to spend more time on homework than their peers in other countries. The following paragraphs detail how much homework South Korean students have and the reasons behind it.

How Much Homework Do South Korean Students Have?

According to a 2014 study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), South Korean students spend an average of 2.9 hours per week on homework per subject. This amount is higher than the OECD average of 1.7 hours per week, making it one of the highest amounts of homework given worldwide.

The Reason for High Amounts of Homework in South Korea

There are several reasons why South Korean students have so much homework. Firstly, South Koreans place great emphasis on education, and parents often pressure their children to excel academically. Secondly, the competition among students is intense, with only a limited number of spots available at prestigious universities and high-paying jobs.

The Relationship Between Homework and Academic Performance

Studies have shown mixed results when it comes to the relationship between homework and academic performance. While some studies suggest that more homework leads to better grades, others suggest that too much homework can negatively affect academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.

The Impact of Homework on Mental Health

South Korean students often experience high levels of stress due to the immense pressure placed on academic achievement. The excessive amount of homework adds to this stress, leading to sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression.

The Role of Teachers in Assigning Homework

Teachers play a vital role in assigning homework to students. While homework is intended to reinforce the material learned in class, teachers must ensure that the amount of homework is reasonable and does not exceed a student’s capacity. Some teachers in South Korea have been found to assign excessive amounts of homework, leading to burnout and stress among students.

The Effectiveness of Homework

While homework has been a traditional method of education, its effectiveness in enhancing learning remains debatable. Some studies suggest that homework can help students build discipline, develop better study habits, and reinforce learning. Others argue that homework is often tedious and a waste of time.

The Relationship Between Homework and Student Motivation

Studies have shown that too much homework can lead to decreased motivation among students. When students are overloaded with homework, they may lose interest in learning and become less motivated to complete their assignments.

The Role of Parents in Homework

Parents play an essential role in their children’s education, including helping them with their homework. However, parents in South Korea may take this role too seriously, leading to excessive pressure on their children to succeed academically.

The Impact of Technology on Homework

Technology has changed the way students learn and complete their homework. With smartphones, tablets, and laptops, students can access information and complete assignments more easily. However, technology can also be a distraction, leading to procrastination and reduced productivity.

The Potential for Change in South Korean Education

The South Korean government has recognized the negative impact of excessive homework on student well-being and has taken steps to reduce it. Some schools have implemented no-homework policies or reduced the amount of homework assigned. However, changing deeply ingrained cultural attitudes towards education will take time.

The Importance of Balancing Academics and Well-being

In conclusion, while South Korea’s education system is known for its rigor, the excessive amount of homework assigned to students can have negative impacts on their mental health and well-being. It is essential to strike a balance between academics and overall well-being to ensure that students can succeed academically without sacrificing their mental health.

Which country has most homework?

If you are a student residing in Italy, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of homework you receive. A study by the OECD found that 15-year-old students in Italy have to complete nearly 9 hours of homework every week, which is the highest amount compared to any other country in the world.

How many hours a day do Korean students study?

South Korea’s education system is renowned for producing top-performing students but it is also known for being rigorous. Students often spend between 12 to 16 hours per day at school or at a hagwon, which is a special after-school academy.

What country has the shortest school day?

In Finland, schools usually begin between 9 and 9:45 am and students generally spend only five hours a day in class.

How many school days are in Korea?

Elementary and middle school students have days that are similar in structure but less intense than high school, with shorter hours and more opportunities for recreation. All three levels have a minimum attendance requirement of 220 days.

Do Korean students have a lot of homework?

South Korea is regarded as the global leader in education, and their students typically have less than 3 hours of homework to complete each week, on average.

What is the smartest country with no homework?

In one of the world’s highest-ranking education systems, there is very little homework assigned. This is because Finnish culture values activities outside of school that can improve a student’s academic performance, such as spending time with family, staying physically active, and getting sufficient rest.

Alternative Learning Approaches

While homework has been a traditional method of reinforcing learning, there are alternative approaches that South Korean educators can adopt. Project-based learning, for example, allows students to apply what they have learned in class to real-world situations. This approach can be more engaging and interactive than traditional homework assignments.

Emphasizing Physical Activity and Play

South Korean students often spend long hours studying and completing homework, leaving little time for physical activity and play. However, research has shown that exercise and play are essential for overall well-being and can even improve academic performance. Schools can incorporate more physical activity into the curriculum or provide opportunities for students to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities.

Encouraging Parent-Teacher Communication

Open communication between parents and teachers is crucial in ensuring that students do not become overwhelmed with excessive amounts of homework. Teachers can communicate with parents about the amount of homework assigned and work together to find solutions if a student is struggling. Parent-teacher conferences can also provide an opportunity to discuss concerns about homework and academic performance.

The Importance of Self-Care

South Korean students often prioritize academics over self-care, leading to burnout and stress. It is essential to teach students the importance of self-care, including getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga. By prioritizing self-care, students can maintain their mental health while still achieving academic success.

Cultural Shifts Towards Education

South Korea’s education system has been deeply ingrained in its culture for decades, but there is a growing movement towards re-evaluating the importance of academic achievement. Some parents are starting to prioritize their children’s well-being over their academic performance, and some schools are implementing alternative approaches to learning. These cultural shifts may take time, but they are an essential step towards creating a more balanced approach to education.

Related posts:

• Is there night school in Korea?
• How long are Korean school breaks?
• How much homework do Korean students get?
• How long is a day of school in South Korea?

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South Korean Education

Our bus wound its way uphill along a narrow, crowded street toward Shinn II Boys High School, and one could only imagine the excitement and disruption we were about to bring to its staff and students. Hanging over the school's entrance was a banner welcoming our group of 19 Americans and more than 40 other educators from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. We could see dozens of faces peering at us through the windows of the four-story building.

Our visit to this school was one of several we would make during the Summer 1996 Korean Studies Program sponsored by the Korea Society, an organization dedicated to academic and cultural exchanges to promote greater understanding of Korea and its people. Our visits and talks with teachers, students, and school officials allowed for some preliminary impressions and observations about education in Korea.

Since that visit, much has changed throughout Korea. Economic and political upheavals have shifted both personal and institutional outlooks. As with other societal constructs, Korean schools have been part of this process.

The Education System

The Korean public education structure is divided into three parts: six years of primary school, followed by three years of middle school and then three years of high school. In 1996 only about five percent of Korea's high schools were coeducational. The proportion of coeducational schools has increased by almost ten percent. However, classes in many coeducational high schools are still divided along gender lines. The curriculum is standardized so now both boys and girls study technology and domestic science.

The primary curriculum consists of nine principal subjects: moral education, Korean language, social studies, mathematics, science, physical education, music, fine arts, and practical arts. English-language instruction now begins in the third grade, so that children can start learning English in a relaxed atmosphere through conversational exchange, rather than through rote learning of grammatical rules as is still the practice in many middle and high schools. The major objectives, as stated in a 1996 background report by the Ministry of Education, are "to improve basic abilities, skills and attitudes; to develop language ability and civic morality needed to live in society; to increase the spirit of cooperation; to foster basic arithmetic skills and scientific observation skills; and to promote the understanding of healthy life and the harmonious development of body and mind.” The seventh annual curriculum, which began implementation in March 2000, kept these basic goals but updated many elements to reflect changes in Korean society.

Upon completion of primary school, students advance to middle school, which comprises grades seven through nine. The curriculum consists of 12 basic or required subjects, electives, and extracurricular activities. While elementary school instructors teach all subjects, middle school teachers, like their colleagues in the United States, are content specialists.

High schools are divided into academic and vocational schools. In 1995, some 62 percent of students were enrolled in academic high schools and 38 percent in vocational high schools. A small number attended specialized high schools concentrating in science, the arts, foreign languages, and other specialized fields. This is still the case.

The aims of education at the high school level are stated as "to foster each student's personality and ability needed to preserve and strengthen the backbone of the nation; to develop students' knowledge and skills to prepare them for jobs needed in society; to promote each student's autonomy, emotional development, and critical thinking abilities to be brought to bear in and out of school; and to improve physical strength and foster a sound mind."

The School Calendar and School Days

The school calendar has two semesters, the first extending from March through July and the second from September through February. There are summer and winter breaks, but 10 optional half days at the beginning and end of each break¾which are attended by practically all students¾reduce each of these biennial vacations to the remaining 10 days.

A typical day finds high schoolers studying before school begins at about 8:00 A.M. Classes run for 50 minutes each, with a morning break and a 50-minute lunch period. The afternoon session resumes at about 1:00 P.M., and classes continue until about 4:00 or 4:30, followed by the cleaning of the classroom. Students may then take a short dinner break at home, or they may eat at school. Teachers typically move from room to room, while students stay in one place.

Students return to the school library to study or attend private schools or tutoring sessions until between 10:00 P.M. and midnight. They return home where they may have a snack, listen to music, or watch television before going to bed. Elementary and middle school students have similar but somewhat less rigorous days with shorter hours and more recreational activities.

Attendance requirements call for a minimum of 220 days at all three levels. The curriculum is prescribed by law, as are the criteria for the development of textbooks and instructional materials. There have been periodic curriculum revisions, most recently in March 2000, and the trend is definitely toward decentralization in determining, diversifying, and implementing the curriculum.

The well-educated person—according to the curriculum and perhaps shedding further light on what is valued in Korean society—is healthy, independent, creative, and moral.

Visiting a High School

The high schools that we saw were large and rather barren in appearance. Invariably, a large grassless area in front of the school serves as the playing field as well as accommodates schoolwide assemblies and other meetings. Inside, classrooms line the straight, sparsely furnished halls and are typically filled with 50 or 60 uniformed students and an instructor.

Most instruction we observed consisted of teacher lectures, with only rare interruptions for questions. If students had questions, they might speak to the teacher after class. There is considerable interest in computers. At the end of 1999 there was about 1 computer per every 23.8 primary and secondary school student and 1 per every 1.4 primary and secondary school teachers. The Ministry of Education planned to raise the ratio to 1 computer per 17.4 students and 1 per every teacher by the end of 2000. The computer laboratory we visited was equipped with about 50 terminals meant to serve 3,000 students, but at the time only teachers were in the room.

As we noted, discipline problems were infrequent, and great respect for teachers was evident. Students bowed, as is the custom, when passing teachers in the halls and appeared hesitant to enter faculty offices. We learned that discipline cases are generally referred to the student's homeroom teacher, who then talks with the student and his or her family. In addition to administering discipline, which may but infrequently includes corporal punishment, homeroom teachers offer counseling, help students with college applications, and maintain contact with parents.

We were told in 1996 that in years past when teachers informed parents of discipline problems, parents responded by sending the teacher either a small amount of rice as an apology for having caused the teacher worry and trouble or a switch for the teacher to discipline the child. Since 1999, teachers no longer have the legal authority to administer corporal punishment. This change has created some confusion as to the extent of teachers' authority.

Despite these differences, Korean teachers still have more responsibility for counseling students and controlling their behavior than do teachers in the United States. Korean culture grants teachers the same authority as parents and attributes them even greater responsibility for children's moral and academic development.

One Teacher's Day

One teacher we met was a Korean American from Maryland who teaches conversational English. As he explained, students are rarely assigned written work either in class or as homework. His regular workload consists of five classes that meet four times each week, with an additional twenty classes that meet once a week. With a typical class size of 50 or more students, this teacher would have 1,000 papers to review weekly. He, of course, could not evaluate them and handle all his other responsibilities.

This teacher's workday extends from 7:30 A.M. to about 5:00 P.M., with an additional half day on Saturday. Although a relatively long day by American standards, it leaves him with considerable free time and few responsibilities other than teaching. While he reported that teachers’ salaries are relatively high by Korean standards of living, we learned that teachers throughout the country have expressed dissatisfaction with their pay.

This teacher confessed that he did not know if his students actually were learning English. There are no failing grades, but there are remedial classes, and students may attend supplemental education centers if they or their parents feel there is a need. Most schools give trial achievement tests twice a year to prepare students for college entrance examinations. In addition, multiple Internet websites offer the same services, helping students to gauge their own progress.

Regarding instructional methods, this teacher has tried small groups and other nontraditional approaches to teaching but felt his students did not respond well, being unfamiliar with such methods and uncertain about how they were expected to perform. He therefore returned to lecturing, which he attempts to enliven with frequent questions. His many students seem amazingly cooperative, good-natured, and enthusiastic. A lively question-and-answer session directed by the teacher about students' images of the United States took place during our visit. As one might expect, they were most aware of international sports and celebrity figures, such as Michael Jordan and Michael Jackson. However, when asked what came to mind when they thought of the United States, many answered "freedom" or "the Statue of Liberty." But they also asked about drugs, and if it was true that police patrol American high schools.

Visiting an Elementary School

We also visited an elementary school of 700 students. Located in Ch'unchon, a city of 200,000, northeast of Seoul, the school had the familiar large, bare playground and meeting space, along with typical class sizes of approximately 50 students.

In contrast to the high schools we visited, this school’s halls were decorated with bulletin board displays, banners, photographs, trophy cases, historical exhibits, and examples of student work. Similarly, the classrooms in this worn but well-kept building were covered with displays of children’s work. The school is famous for its speed skaters, and many alumni who have gained prominence in sports have given their trophies to the school to encourage today’s students.

The music teacher has more than 50 violins to be used by students in a challenging classical music program. One room stocked with stringed and percussion instruments is devoted to traditional Korean music. Students begin studying science in the second grade, and the school’s science laboratory has several student workstations. A large computer lab is available for classes, and new computers with Pentium processors had just arrived to replace the machines currently in use.

The school library, according to the principal, needs more books, given the size of the student body. He suggested, however, that this school was fairly representative of Korean elementary schools, except for its well-equipped television studio, which students use to produce school programs.

School tradition and achievement is very important to Korea's principals. One high school has a large stone marker engraved with its motto, "Diligence and Wisdom," and statues adorn the school grounds. One depicts a standing young student looking intently into the eyes of a seated female teacher. The other is of Admiral Sun-shin Yi, the heroic sixteenth-century warrior who designed and built a fleet of iron-plated "turtle boats" that were instrumental in the defeat of a Japanese invasion. In the principal's office, one wall has photographs and statements noting the qualifications of the staff. The entrance to the school is lined with pictures of past principals and a large inscription, "Teachers create the future."

Elementary schools put more emphasis on art, music, and physical education than secondary schools do. In addition, at this level more time—roughly the same amount that a Korean high school student spends preparing for college entrance tests—is devoted to extracurricular activities.

Social Studies and the Curriculum

Social studies education begins in the first and second grades with a course combined with science and titled "Intelligent Life." During their 34 weeks of schooling, first-grade students receive 120 hours, and second-grade students 136 hours, of this instruction. Third- and fourth-grade students receive 102 hours of social studies instruction and fifth- and sixth-graders are given 136 hours per year. At the middle school level, seventh-grade students have 102 hours, and eighth- and ninth-graders receive 136 hours of social studies instruction.

In high school, first-year students take a program of required courses. By their second year, students can select from among three tracks: humanities and social studies, a natural science track, and a vocational track. However, this is likely to change. The social studies track includes courses in Korean history, politics, economics, society, and culture as well as world history, world geography, and social studies.

Korea has a national curriculum developed and monitored by the Ministry of Education. It is revised every five to ten years; implementation of the seventh national curriculum began in 2000. This curriculum seeks to develop democratic citizens who have strong moral and civic convictions.

Humanity Education

There have been proposals to change the nature of the educational process—from focusing on preparation for college and entrance into schools that will ensure economic success and intellectual development, over the cultivation of attitudes and abilities needed to become responsible citizens. Toward this end a practice-based approach to humanity education has been implemented, with the goals of instilling values of etiquette, public order, and democratic citizenship through experiential activities.

Elements of this curriculum are introduced throughout the school program. From kindergarten through third grade, the focus is on etiquette, the observing of social rules, and the development of a sense of community. Fourth through ninth grade emphasizes democratic citizenship, including rules, processes, and reasonable decision-making. At the high school level, attention is given to global citizenship, including understanding other cultures and peace education.

A 1995 government report on Korean education, titled “Korea’s Vision for the Twenty-First Century,” stated that the curriculum must encourage students “to be global citizens, which includes openness to diversity, broad perspectives, an understanding of the various traditions and cultures of other countries, and sensitivity to environmental issues and conflicts among regions and races. Accordingly, there should be greater emphasis on tolerant and open-minded attitudes toward diversity and differences.” The seventh curriculum builds on this document and fosters the development of character education as well as community service.

Looking Toward the Future

Along with their strong belief in the family and cultural traditions, Koreans value education and are willing to make significant personal sacrifices to ensure that their children are afforded the best available learning opportunities. No nation has a higher degree of enthusiasm for education than Korea, and nowhere are children more pressured to study. Evidence of major educational accomplishments, such as degrees from prestigious colleges and universities, strongly influence a person’s suitability for employment, marriage, and everyday interpersonal relations.

In 1996 Moo-Sub Kang, director general of the Korean Educational Development Institute, noted that education administration was gradually moving from the national Ministry of Education to individual schools. In 1998 a Presidential Commission for a New Education Community was established to encourage further reform. More recent educational policy encourages a modest degree of curriculum decentralization. Local boards of education, similar to those in the United States but covering larger geographic areas, now have the requisite degree of autonomy to interpret the national curriculum in terms of local needs. For example, some schools now offer more computer, art, music, and writing courses, eliminating the need for their extracurricular study. Principals now can work with social studies teachers in developing aspects of the curriculum that reflect local needs, such as character education and community service programs.

However, the issue that continues to receive the most attention is the need to reform the school system. Many Koreans believe that the mass education of the industrial era is not appropriate to an era of high technology and globalization. In practical terms, large lecture classes of 50 or 60 students with an emphasis on rote learning will not produce creative or morally sensitive graduates.

In response to a changing society, the Korean government established a new vision for education. Unveiled by the Presidential Commission on Educational Reform in May 1995, this vision projected open, lifelong education that would provide individuals with equal and easy access to education at any time and place. Further, the Commission felt that education suitable for the twenty-first century would be achieved through technology. The long-range goal was to raise the quality of education to a world-standard level of excellence.

Critics point out that in the ensuing five years most classroom practices have remained unchanged. In addition, policy is still set through a four-tiered hierarchical model that is heavily weighted against parental and teacher input, despite locally elected boards of education.

Some Tentative Conclusions

Education has contributed to the growth of Korea's democratic government. It has produced hardworking, skilled employees who have brought about an economic miracle within a single generation. It has reaffirmed traditional values while maintaining its commitment to modernization, citizenship, and global involvement. The ambitious and comprehensive reform plans developed in 1995 by the Ministry of Education still appear to enjoy widespread public and professional support. A broad spectrum of the society recognizes the need for lifelong learning as a precept for social and economic improvement.

Authors' Note : Based on various reports and discussions with Korean educators, we’ve attempted to update our previous work and place it within these new concepts. We would like to thank Dr. Tae-Hoon Kim, professor of ethics education at Kong-Ju National University of Education; Mr. Hyung-Sik Kim, superintendent of schools, Kwangju, Republic of Korea; Mr. Hang-In Kim, social studies doctoral candidate at the University of Georgia; and Mr. Young-Seog Kim, social studies doctoral candidate at the University of Georgia, for their assistance in the preparation of this paper.

Authors: Richard Diem, Tedd Levy, and Ronald VanSickle.

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So unfortunately I have the duty of making homework for my 7y students every week. At first I thought 2 pages total was okay, but now it’s been ramped up to 6, as per the bosses orders. Is this too much? I’m genuinely curious how other teachers would feel about this.. it’s sorta time consuming to make..

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The Countries Where Kids Do The Most Homework

Does your kid complain about endless hours of homework? If you live in Italy , those complaints could reach fever-pitch! According to research conducted by the OECD, 15-year old children in Italy have to contend with nearly 9 hours of homework per week - more than anywhere else in the world. Irish children have the second highest after-school workload - just over 7 hours each week. In the United States , about 6.1 hours of a 15-year old's week are sacrificed for the sake of homework. In Asia, children have very little to complain about. Japanese students have to deal with 3.8 hours of homework per week on average while in South Korea, it's just 2.9 hours.

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This chart shows hours of homework per week in selected countries.

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Translation of homework – English–Korean dictionary

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(Translation of homework from the Cambridge English–Korean Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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a bear with white fur that lives in the Arctic

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

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Living and traveling in Korea

Hagwon VS. Public School: Where To Teach In Korea

When people decide to teach in Korea, there is often a misunderstanding between a hagwon vs public school. It’s definitely a different system than most people around the world are used to.

In America, we go to school and do our extra curricular or tutoring usually within the school. In Asia however, the education system is way more rigorous than Western countries. Here, kids go to school in the morning, then in the afternoon, most of them go to academies till 10pm or later. These academies, called hagwons in Korean, are essentially programs for extra practice and tutoring. Whereas public school is the place all students are required to attend by law as with most places around the world. There are a lot of differences between working in a hagwon vs. public school.

This post will cover the key differences between hagwons and public schools in Korea and help you decide which is the best fit for you. There are pros and cons to both the hagwon system and the public school system in Korea so make sure you assess each thoroughly before you begin applying. Once you’ve decided which place is for you, then check out this guide for getting a teaching job in Korea.

Feel free to skip around to get the details:

Benefits of Teaching In South Korea

• Requirements
• Hiring Period
• Lesson Planning
• Administrative Work
• Vacation Days
• Student Levels

Which Is Best?

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

Many people think that teaching abroad is impossible, I mean, who has the money for that? I used to be the exact same way thinking I’d need a crazy amount of savings to uproot my life at home and move abroad. Believe it or not, teaching abroad doesn’t have to break the bank at all Actually, you can save a lot of money and pay off those student loans if you need to as well. You can seriously benefit from teaching in South Korea, and here’s why:

• Housing is Provided
• A Round Trip Flight or Flight Reimbursement is Provided
• Visa Sponsorship is Through the School
• The cost of living is much lower than most Western countries; which means you have more disposable income, people can even pay off their student loans here! If you need to send money home for payments or just savings, SentBe is the best option around.
• Traveling around Asia is relatively cheap
• Offers one of the highest salaries in the TEFL market
• Medical insurance (going to the doctor here doesn’t cost you your life)
• A TEFL certificate makes it easier for you to get a job here, but it’s not an absolutely essential.

Korean Hagwon or Korean Academy Jobs

As previously mentioned, a hagwon is a place for extra practice and tutoring. Children often attend these programs after school if they’re elementary to high school age. However, kindergarten jobs are also available for foreigners and the information is the same so know that you would likely be teaching students that range in age from kindergarten to high school.

There are many different hagwons that parents can send their children to from math, music, and taekwondo, to English. They also pay a lot of money for the tuition to these private academies which means that often parents are more involved and will have more say in what is happening because they’re paying for it.

Basic Information

Requirements:

• A valid passport from one of seven countries including: US, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any subject. Make sure you get the apostille on it as well. (You do not have to have an English degree or related to teach English in Korea.)
• A background check with a clean record (Traffic violations aside, you’ll be hard pressed to get a job in Korea if you have any charges or convictions against you.)
• A clean health check
• (Optional) TEFL certification .

Hiring Period: Year Round.

Salary : 2.1-2.5 million Korean Won is the average pay for a foreign teacher at an academy

• Note: the exchange rate may change throughout the year but most people will say W1,000 = $1.00 on average so keeping that in mind, you can make $2,100 – $2,500 per month.
• This salary is on top of the provided housing and airfare so the only thing that comes out of this is taxes, basic utility payments, and Korean National Pension payments so you’re taking quite a bit home.

Benefits:  There are some important things that you want to make sure are in your contract before you sign. Because of the nature of hagwons and that they are privately owned, owners can play dumb or purposefully leave things out and it’s up to you to make sure everything is included that needs to be. I’d like to emphasize the severance and pension . These aspects of your contract are crucial. If they are not included in your contract, run, it’s illegal.

• Flight reimbursement (2 weeks after you arrive),
• Housing or Housing Allowance
• Medical Insurance (Your school pays 50% and you pay 50% of the payment.)
• Severance pay (An additional month’s pay after the completion of a full year.)
• Pension (Your school pays 50% and you pay 50% of the payment.)
• Bonus pay for contract completion, contract renewal/extension
• Not in the contract, but one benefit of a hagwon is that you will likely be working with other foreigners. It’s an easy built in community right away.

Hours: Hours vary depending on the age of students. On average, academy teachers have a 40 hour work load but are in the classroom for 30 hours of that time. Although some schools will have you teach 25 hours and the rest of the working period is dedicated to administrative work such as grading and paperwork. In general, academies require the teacher to be in the classroom for more hours than public school.

• For Kindergartens: Monday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm OR 11:00am ~ 8:00pm
• For Elementary to High School Students: Monday – Friday: 1:00pm ~ 8:00pm OR 2:00pm ~ 10:00pm
• This schedule looks quite great if you want to get out during the day but it can be pretty grueling so these contracts are often offered for just 6 months at a time and the schools will rotate teachers so they work a more “standard” schedule for half of the year and the split shift for half of the year.

Class size: At a hagwon, you are the sole teacher in the classroom. Some bigger hagwons do provide Korean assistant teachers to serve as translators or have a disciplinary role. The typical number of students for an academy class is 8-10 at the most. At my school, my largest class is 8 students which is great, especially for your first teaching job. The classes are kept small for more one-on-one education opportunities.

Lesson planning: Hagwons generally have a curriculum that they operate on. The books and supplies are already provided for you. At my hagwon, the lesson plans are already made with the page numbers for that day. It is simply up to me as to how I want to teach it. Therefore, you won’t have any stress about what to teach the students.

That is generally speaking as some hagwons give their teachers more freedom to choose the books they want to use and plan the entire class syllabus from beginning to end. Make sure to ask teachers currently working there how it works at the school you’re applying to.

Administrative work: This is one area I want to emphasize for anyone interested in teaching in Korea. At a private academy, the homework grading is 80% of the job. You have to keep up with testing and other paperwork for every class you teach. Many hagwon jobs will require that you give a monthly test and throughout the year write “report cards” or summaries that the school can pass on to parents.

Vacation days: A hagwon only gives a total of 10 vacation days, 5 in the summer and 5 in the winter in addition to the public holidays of South Korea.

Sick days: A private academy is legally supposed to give you 2- 3 sick days but it’s up to you to get them. While they are legally required, most hagwons don’t have any system for substitute teachers so if you try to stay out for a day or two, they will make you feel very guilty about it. Koreans are known to work while sick and work hard. So be prepared for this mentality when you come.

Training: This will last a period of 5 days. You will have the chance to shadow a seasoned teacher for that period. They will explain the system that the school operates on both curriculum and disciplinary wise. It gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the learning materials provided. And sometimes on the last day of training, whoever you are shadowing will give you a chance to maybe teach a class or two. Remember that just as you were not required to have any teaching experience to obtain this job, likely the person you’re shadowing was not either. Get the ins and outs of the school from this person and pick up any details about students that you can before your training teacher, who is likely the teacher you’ll be replacing, is leaving.

Student levels: In a private academy, students are generally placed into classes depending on their level. Obviously students learn in different ways and paces. But having students at the same level makes teaching a lot easier. I say “generally” because often friends will sign up together or one parent will get a couple other parents to sign their kids up because the first parent will get a discount on the fees and then the school may place all of the kids together in the same classroom because they’ve basically paid to be together. Remember hagwons are a business and the owners may not be completely devoted to teaching for the sake of teaching.

Korean Public School Jobs

Korean public schools are much like public schools around the world though the job for an ESL teacher will have some key differences from a hagwon to a public school. In a public school, there is a more rigid hierarchy and the ESL teacher is generally not hired directly by the school but by the Metropolitan Office of Education which means if anything happens at the school, you should be in touch with your handler at the office of education and not directly with those at your school though you will also have one teacher at your school who is designated as the person to go to with issues or questions. The system is a bit different but the public school job can be quite comfortable.

Requirements: 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any subject (You do not have to have an English degree or related to teach English in Korea.)
• You can get a certificate online easily with ITTT (<– You can get a 15% discount if you click that link). I used this option since I was already living and working in Korea.

Hiring Period: There are only two intakes per year: Spring and Fall. If you’re hoping to get into the spring intake, you should submit your application 6 months prior to March 1st. If you want the fall intake, you should submit documents 6 months prior to September 1st.

Salary: 2.0 – 2.7 million Korean won

• Note: the exchange rate may change throughout the year but most people will say W1,000 = $1.00 on average so keeping that in mind, you can make $2,000 – $2,700 per month.
• The public school system has a pay scale established and the first tier requires a Bachelor’s degree + some form of accreditation including a TEFL or Teacher’s License to obtain the job. You can move up in payscale either by renewing your contract or by increasing your level of education.
• Settlement Allowance of W300,000 (A one time payment)
• Flight reimbursement
• Housing OR Housing Allowance
• Severance (An additional month’s pay after the completion of a full year.)
• Renewal Bonus of W700,000 upon completion of the contract and re-signing for another year. (Only offered in provinces outside of Seoul.)

Hours:  Currently, foreign teachers are only being hired to work in elementary schools so that is the only age to teach for these jobs. This job requires you to be at the school for 40 hours a week but on average teachers are only in the classroom for 22 hours a week so there is ample time for preparation.

• Note that this is for the standard school day. There is a month vacation in the summer and another month in the winter and during those times there is an adjusted schedule. Each school can be a bit different but generally, you’d teach a camp for two weeks to students that sign up from 9:00am ~ 12:00pm and then you can go home.
• Just a note that not all schools will have you do this. It’s really up to your care teacher and they may tell you just not to come and waste the heat but then it’s a bit of a “I won’t tell, if you don’t tell” situation. Just cross your fingers you get a good handler teacher.

Class size: On average, there are 25 – 30 students in the classroom when you’re in a city school (there may only be 10 when you’re in the countryside classrooms) however unlike hagwons, there is always a Korean co-teacher on hand. The Korean co-teacher is required by law and they generally help facilitate and direct the room though it’s up to ever Korean and foreign partner teacher to establish a partnership in the classroom.

Lesson planning: In principle, the foreign teacher is teaching in collaboration with the Korean teacher so using the book that is mandated, the Korean teacher and English teacher usually divide the pages so that the foreign teacher covers the speaking section. Unlike hagwons, the foreign teacher is responsible for preparing all syllabus and lesson plans for classes using the assigned text book.

Administrative Work:  Generally, there isn’t homework assigned which means there isn’t homework to grade. Tests are also generally taken with the Korean teacher though there may be a speaking portion that the foreign teacher can cover. In this case however, it’s a pretty simple check, check, check hand it off to the Korean teacher situation as the Korean teacher will handle the administrative duties as far as inputting grades into the system, etc.

Vacation days: This is one area where the public school and private academies differ. In public school, you get 4-weeks of vacation plus all Korean national holidays. This is great for anyone who wants more time to travel. It may actually be more as well depending on the school schedule and various camps and how the Korean co-teacher feels. If you have a co-teacher who doesn’t feel the need to have you deskwarm, you’re still technically required to be in the country, but you could travel in Korea and it’d be fine.

Sick days: Depending on what program you do or where you work, this can range from 7-11 days. Because there is a Korean co-teacher that is always in the class, having a sick day means that you do have a substitute available to you. To be honest, you don’t want to try and use ALL of your sick days because Koreans don’t just do that, but if you do have a situation, it’s easier to take a sick day at a Korean public school than it is at a hagwon.

Training: There is a training week where all of the new public school teachers are gathered at a local university to learn about Korea, culture, some classroom information and duties, but the main thing to do here is to meet the other foreign teachers. At most hagwons, you are NOT the only foreign teacher so you have a built-in community right away. At public schools you WILL be the only foreign teacher at the school so it’s important to use the training week to meet others.

Student levels: In public school, students are all put in the same class dependent upon age so levels will vary. I think this makes teaching more difficult in a sense. As you have to be able to read your audience and balance where to put more emphasis on. Put like most TEFL training and teaching training will tell you, you want to teach to the middle and all students to speak more or less. Since foreign teachers cover the speaking portion of class, it’s a lot of listening and repetition and there’s ample opportunity to let students speak more, or less and listen to others.

There are pros and cons to both work conditions. A con of hagwons is that it can be hit or miss because they are private entities. If the school goes out of business, you’re out with no recourse. That would never happen at a public school. Public schools are great… unless you’re not a morning person and then it might not be a good fit for you. Public schools can be lonely for new foreigners in Korea because there are no other foreign teachers on the premises while hagwons may have 3 to 10 other foreigners on staff.

With housing, flights, and severence and pension provided by both along with medical insurance, it’s somewhat small differences between the two situations. Would you prefer to teach your own classroom and have all of the control? Then maybe hagwons are better for you. If you don’t mind a co-teacher who may want to be very involved but also one that doesn’t care at all, then maybe public school is up your alley. With public school there are more students in the classroom, but with hagwons you have less vacation time in total.

Want to get to Korea ASAP? Then hagwons might be the best option right now because they hire year round whereas public schools take some planning.

Making decisions in life is hard enough as it is, especially when you factor in moving to a different country. For me, I did thorough research and spoke to every possible person I could get in touch with before making my final decision on choosing Korea.

PS, if you’re headed here, a lot of guides will tell you to bring a gift for your new boss… it’s not necessary. Check out this guide for gifting in Korea .

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Hi Michaela, thank you for sharing your story. Reading this has been really insightful! I would love to hear more about your experience in teaching at hagwons- I am planning to apply myself and do not have many connections with previous teachers. I would love to ask you more in-depth questions about your experience and am wondering if you would be willing to communicate across email? I have attached my email here. Thank you so much in advance!

I’m in the same boat. I’m planning on applying early 2021 but who knows with Corona…

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Korean Word of the Day – homework (noun)

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숙제 (sukjje) homework (noun)

숙제가 많아요. Sukjega manayo. I have a lot of homework.

여자 아이가 숙제를 하고 있습니다. Yeoja aiga sukjereul hago itsseumnida. The girl is doing homework.

너의 숙제는 경험을 배우는 데에 중요한 한 부분이야. Neoui sukjeneun gyeongheomeul baeuneun dee jungyohan han bubuniya. Your homework is one important part of the learning experience.

숙제를 하다 sukjereul hada do homework

오늘의 숙제 oneurui sukjje today’s homework

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15 Things To Know Before Travelling To South Korea

South Korea is slowly burgeoning into a much sought after travel destination. With a healthy mix of culture, natural vistas, modern day and historical cities and world class cuisine, the country holds something for everyone. Safe, friendly, easy to navigate with superb transportation and infrastructure, here are some tips to make your experience even smoother.

1. Use Public Transportation

South Korea has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world. All buses, trains and subways are cheap, clean and convenient. For travelling within the city, metro is your best option. For intercity travel, a bus or train is the best option. The bus and train tickets are readily available if purchased on arrival, except for some popular routes and during rush hour on weekends. Check the routes before making a decision. Tickets can be purchased on KORAIL, the national operator of railway networks.

2. Learn a bit of the language

English is widely used in South Korea and spoken by almost everyone in the younger generation. Public places also have signage in both Korean and English. Hangul, is one of the easiest languages to learn and it is also phonetic, so you can sound out the words. This makes you slightly independent while travelling and also allows you to converse easily with the older folks in the country.

3. Basic eating etiquettes

Eating in South Korea is a communal activity, so don’t be surprised if many restaurants do not offer single seating, especially bars and barbecue joints. The servers don’t usually come up to you, instead there are present call buttons on tables. You have to go up to the counter to pay your own bill and tipping is not prevalent. Water is usually self-service, as are some of the side dishes. Do not touch food with hands, except lettuce leaves and don’t use chopsticks to pass food.

4. Varied accommodation options

South Korea has a wide range of accommodation options depending on your preferences. For budget stays, you can opt for hostels or homestays. They usually offer breakfast and Wi-Fi as well. If you wish to experience the local culture, you can choose to stay in hanoks, traditional guesthouses that provide Korean style rooms with floor mattresses.

Hotels are otherwise the common choice, ranging from budget to luxury, in most popular cities. In national parks or other such areas, you can also choose to glamping.

5. Communication requirements

South Korea is one of the most hi-tech countries in the world , and provides Wi-Fi connectivity throughout its length and breadth, except a few rural areas. You can do without a local sim for the most part but if you wish to buy one, it is readily available at the Incheon airport at one of the many roaming centres. Important applications that you should download include Kakao T, a cab booking service app, Subway Korea and Naver Maps, which is the equivalent of Google Maps.

6. Dressing choices

You can easily opt to dress according to your comfort and weather. However, more than most South Koreans are modest. If visiting a temple, it is advisable not to don tank tops, shorts and skirts. Most of the men and women dress easy, and low-cut tops are the exception rather than the norm. At the beach, opt for a t-shirt instead of a swimsuit. While tattoos are mostly acceptable in South Korea now, in some places, like certain bathhouses, you can be denied entry if seen with ink.

7. Understand the drinking culture

South Korea is famed for its nightlife, and drinking is the mainstay for Korean socializing, also known as hoesik- loosely translated to “a gathering of people”. A night of revelry is sure to include bar hopping to several places, sometimes ending in severe hangover and a blur. The drink of choice is easily soju , and the national drink is soaked up with bar snacks known as anju. This is mostly fried food like French fries or fried chicken.

If you do not prefer drinking, spending the evening at a coffee shop or a bakery is usually the norm and also equally rewarding.

8. Ritual of Gifting

Gifting is an essential part of South Korean culture- both in personal and business relationships and is linked with showing respect. If you are invited to someone’s home, be sure to carry a small gift, like a bottle of wine or flowers, to show your graciousness. Gifts are always received with two hands and never opened with in front of the giver.

9. Prevalence of Confucianism

The social fabric of South Korea is governed by the principals of Confucianism and the subtle etiquettes that are brought into the fold with this practice will benefit you if you make an effort to learn and apply them. It includes talking politely to elders, letting your boss or elders eat first at the table before digging into dinner and always accept when a shot or drink of Soju is offered to you.

10. Lack of Personal Space

Personal space in a country of 25 million people that is also fast paced is a myth, so occasional pushing and shoving is not uncommon. People would not stop to apologize, but this is normal and should not be taken otherwise by tourists.

Furthermore, you are bound to be asked personal questions by curious Koreans, pertaining to your age, opinions, marital status and occupations. These inform the way you are conversed with, and hence should not be taken personally.

11. Some Safety Measures

South Korea is a modern country with one of the lowest crime rates in the world, so you don’t need to worry much about safety measures. South Koreans are very hospitable people. However, it is better to know some basic emergency numbers, like 112 for the police,119 for emergency services or 1330 for the Korean Tourist police.

12. Navigate through your dietary preferences

Tourists have to learn to be slightly flexible with their food choices in the country. Vegetarianism or veganism is slowly catching on, but there are not many places that serve vegetarian fare. Even dishes that you might consider to fall under one of the above categories can be made of shrimp or anchovy broth. Some safe vegetarian options include japchae, bibimbap (without meat) and vegetable pancakes.

13. Align your visit with cherry blossom season

It is recommended that you visit South Korea during the spring or fall months, when the weather is temperate and cherry blossoms have started blooming. In October and November, the gingko trees turn golden, giving the cities a particularly majestic look. Jeju Islands are the place where cherry blossoms bloom the earliest, in mid-March, and the natural landscapes that the place offers is the reason it should be on top of your list

14. Explore both cities and the countryside

Take a break from the fast paced, urban and hi-tech pace of modern-day Korea, and explore the less talked about but equally stunning natural landscapes and panoramic views that the rural areas offer. Most of South Korea’s natural beauty is hidden in the small towns and a road trip to one of them is the ideal escape. Life in these areas is slower, most of the population is above 40 and follow the traditional way of living.

15. Monitor air quality

It is always a good idea to carry a mask, as air quality levels can drop pretty low in some areas. The problem is more prevalent in spring season, when desert winds blow from Mongolia and China. Download apps like IQ Air Visual to keep a track of real time air quality.

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