Korea / Education

Koreans have great concern for education and illiteracy is almost non-existent. Children begin their six years of elementary school at the age of six.

After three years of middle school and three years of high school, students may advance to university for four years of higher education. There are national examinations for entrance to high school and university, and 30% of high school graduates manage to gain admission to universities.

The entrance exams are extremely rigorous, and the fierce competition for places is sometimes referred to as "The admissions war." Today's parents are placing more attention on early education for their children and the preschool educational system is growing rapidly to meet this need.