Secondary Education

Secondary education in South Korea consists of three years of middle school (ages 12-15) and three years of high school (ages 15-18). While middle school is compulsory, over 98% of students continue to high school, where they follow a rigorous national curriculum focused on Korean language, mathematics, English, social studies, and sciences. The education system is known for its highly competitive environment and long study hours.

High school students typically specialize in either regular academic tracks or vocational tracks. The culmination of secondary education is the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), a crucial nationwide university entrance exam that determines students' higher education opportunities. Many students supplement their schooling with additional studies at private academies (hagwons) to improve their exam scores.

Higher Education

South Korea's higher education system includes universities, colleges, and graduate schools, with intense competition for admission to top institutions. The country is home to prestigious universities known as the "SKY" schools - Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University - which are considered the most elite in the nation.

University education typically follows a four-year bachelor's degree structure, with two-year master's programs and three-year doctoral programs available. Korean higher education emphasizes academic rigor, research excellence, and strong industry connections, particularly in fields like engineering, technology, and business. The system is characterized by its competitive nature and high educational standards, contributing significantly to South Korea's economic development and global competitiveness.