Development of Education System in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

This chapter deals with the education system in the Republic of Korea over the past 70 years. The scope of the Korean education system will be viewed as the organic system of educational ideology, education system and policy, primary and secondary education, higher education, and lifelong education. With the establishment of the government, the Republic of Korea set the direction of education toward democracy, by first proceeding with the quantitative development of education, and then diversification and autonomy of education. During this process, Koreans were able to accept the idea of liberal democracy as a universal value and develop Korea to what it is today. Built on the democratic education system established during the state formation period, education for the national development was implemented during the industrialization period through active intervention and promotion of the government. Korean education in the twenty-first century faces internal and external challenges, so-called a paradigm shift in education. This transition began in earnest in the mid-1990s and is still ongoing. This chapter will look at the challenges brought up during this process, the conflicts surrounding them, the achievements until now, and the remaining tasks in this process of change.