Private education participation rate in South Korea 2012-2023
In 2023, the private education participation rate of South Korean students stood at 78.5 percent, up from 78.3 percent in the previous year. Despite the government's effort to strengthen the public education system, many elementary, middle, and high school students in South Korea still resort to private education.
A distinct academic culture: The role of hagwons
The emphasis on education in South Korean society has played a crucial role in the country's economic success. A highly educated and skilled workforce has been pivotal in encouraging innovation and fueling economic development. Furthermore, the influence of Confucian values, which emphasize the importance of lifelong learning, continues to have a significant impact on the lives of Koreans. To raise their children's chances of attending the most prestigious schools and universities in the highly competitive education system, many parents enroll them in private academies known as hagwons. At these institutions, students often spend more than seven hours per week, frequently studying late into the day.
The economics of the hagwon system
Due to the competitive nature of education in the country, its education industry has continued to grow and has formed a substantial part of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). The sector thus provides a large number of jobs and remains financially lucrative. Spending on private education tends to rise substantially in proportion to household income, putting affluent families at an advantage. Consequently, South Korea’s declining fertility rate is often attributed to the considerable costs of education for children, among other factors.
