Sinje Hun rises at 6am each morning to prepare for her day at the Seoul Foreign Language High School, a specialized state school. Though her day begins at 7.40 am and lasts until 10pm, Sinje is content. She is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer at the UN, and to do so, she must "take responsibility for my future," as she cheerfully explains.
Sinje has much to be excited about, as she is being educated by what appears to be the most successful education system in the world. South Korea has a 97% success rate when it comes to students achieving the equivalent of five C grade GCSEs, which is considered the essential baseline for successful entry into the labor market by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In comparison, the UK has a success rate of 71%.
When OECD published its annual report last week, Education at a Glance, it ranked South Korea as the number one education system in the world within the OECD’s 30 developed countries. What makes this even more remarkable is that South Korea’s public spending on education is only moderate while the country has a larger pupil-per-class ratio — an average of 35 students at lower secondary level — than any other OECD country.
According to Sinje, "There is great competition between students, which encourages them to study." However, not all students can cope with the relentless demands placed on them. Hyojong Son, a recent university graduate at the age of 25, confesses, "The system is not good; you do feel a lot of pressure" and admits that, at times, she "wanted to get out of there." While the students’ performance looks good on paper, the report fails to show the negative emotional impact of high-pressure education. South Korea has the fastest-rising suicide rate worldwide, with eight out of every 100,000 15- to 19-year-olds taking their life in 2003.
In South Korea, students are raised in a society where it is their patriotic duty to study. The school principal of Sinje, who wished to remain anonymous, says that "the success of the Korean system is dependent on our ethical character and enthusiasm for education" and that "we now have a zeal and enthusiasm for learning." In a country without many natural resources, human capital is key to the South Korean economy’s growth.
While the importance of national success is still significant, individuals are now yearning for greater freedom, respect, and fairness. Parents are beginning to worry about the financial burden and extreme stress their children face when attending school. This year, protests broke out in Seoul due to the stress of competition and the increased number of suicides.
Despite all these concerns, students such as Seon-Yu Kim are still facing the pressure to succeed, especially as they prepare for college applications and school mid-terms. Approximately 80% of South Korean students attend tuition classes, which can last until 7pm. Although the student week was reduced from six to five days in 2003, students prefer to spend their weekends studying at home or attending tuition classes. Many students like Eunji Cho have no spare time. When asked if they have any time for fun, Sinje says that "school life, through clubs and groups, is what fulfills me."
At Sinje’s school, located in the Gobong district, attendance at the evening tuition classes is optional, yet students still face intense competition to succeed. The hope is that gaining a place in a decent university will lead to future success in working life.
The UK seems to have fallen behind in terms of education, currently ranking at number 22, despite showing some signs of improvement. The greatest concern lies in the high dropout rate of students at age 16. Sinje expresses surprise at the educational challenges faced by the UK. She emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, urging students to take ownership of their education: "It’s up to you to ensure your education. The future is near, so it’s best to be prepared."
The principal notes the irony of our visit, as many people travel to the UK to learn from their educational system, yet they themselves have learned from others, including us.
At the end of the school day, students pour out of tuition classes, with some listening to pop music while others review recorded lessons from their evening classes during their commute on the subway. The principal emphasizes the importance of support from schools, parents, and the government for an effective educational system. However, he also acknowledges the reality of very little sleep for those striving to excel in their studies.
