Korean Lifestyle in 12 Episodes | Episode 9: Education Fever – Why Learning Never Stops in Korea
The Role of Education in Korean Society
In Korea, education is more than schooling—it is a cultural obsession. Success in academics is often viewed as the gateway to social mobility, career advancement, and family honor. The term “education fever” captures the relentless pursuit of learning that has shaped Korean families and society for decades.
Historical Roots of Education Fever
The emphasis on learning is deeply rooted in history.
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Confucian Tradition: For centuries, civil service exams determined social status, embedding the idea that knowledge equals success.
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Post-War Development: After the Korean War, families saw education as the only path to economic progress, investing heavily in their children’s studies.
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Global Competition: In the modern era, Korea’s rise as a technology and business hub reinforced the need for highly educated citizens.
The Social Meaning of History
Education in Korea is not just personal achievement; it is family pride and national progress.
The Student’s Daily Reality
The life of a Korean student is famously intense.
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Long School Hours: Classes typically run from early morning until mid-afternoon.
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Private Academies (Hagwons): After school, students attend hagwons for additional tutoring, often until late evening.
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Study Cafés and Libraries: Many spend nights in quiet spaces dedicated to concentration and exam preparation.
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High-Stakes Exams: The College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is a decisive moment, influencing university admission and career opportunities.
The Social Meaning of Student Life
Student routines reflect discipline and sacrifice, but also highlight the pressure placed on young people to meet expectations.
Families and the Education Investment
Parents are central to education culture.
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Financial Sacrifice: Families often allocate significant portions of income to private education.
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Parental Involvement: Mothers, in particular, are deeply engaged in monitoring study progress, a role sometimes called “education mothers.”
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Education as Inheritance: Parents view academic achievement as the most valuable gift they can pass on to children.
The Social Meaning of Family Role
Family involvement shows how education is a collective project, not just an individual responsibility.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Education Fever
The results of this culture are both impressive and concerning.
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Achievements: Korea consistently ranks high in global education benchmarks, producing skilled professionals and innovators.
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Challenges: High stress, lack of sleep, and mental health struggles among students reveal the darker side of the system.
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Inequality: Access to quality private education often depends on family income, reinforcing class divisions.
Shifts in Attitudes
In recent years, perspectives on education are evolving.
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Alternative Paths: More young people seek careers in arts, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills outside traditional academic tracks.
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Government Reforms: Efforts are being made to reduce excessive reliance on private education and promote balanced learning.
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Global Influence: Exposure to international education models encourages Koreans to rethink lifelong learning and work-life balance.
Why Education Defines Korea
Education fever explains much of modern Korea’s success: its rapid development, technological advancement, and global competitiveness. Yet it also highlights ongoing struggles with stress, inequality, and the search for balance. To understand Korea is to recognize how education shapes not only individuals but the nation itself.
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Episode 10 – Holidays and Festivities: From Lunar New Year to Chuseok will explore how Koreans celebrate traditions, family gatherings, and seasonal holidays throughout the year.
