Educational System of Korea
In Korea, the public education system begins with elementary school for children ages 6 through 11. Middle
school is for children ages 12 through 14, and high school for teens 15 to 17. Students can then continue on to
university from age 18.
Kindergartens
Kindergartens help children prepare for the next level of schooling. Children attend for 3 hours a day.
Elementary Schools
The purpose of elementary schools is to prepare children with a basic education to help them become sound
citizens of the country. Schools run for over 220 days per year with Korean, Math, Music, Arts, Science,
English, Physical Education, and Practical Skills making up the curriculum. If a foreigner's child wishes to
enter or transfer into a Korean school, then the child's Certificate of Registration issued by the head of the
Immigration Office must be submitted to the relevant school. After that, the child's admission or transfer will
be possible.
Middle and High Schools
If a foreigner's child wants to enroll in or to transfer to a high school, alien registration needs to be
completed. Then, they must apply at the Municipal Education Office. The child's school and grade is decided
according to the child's total previous education experience. If the child wishes to enter a school other than
a regular day-time high school, they can directly apply to the school which they desire to enter. Besides the
above, there exists an exceptional entrance system. If a child whose parents are both foreigners (or if only
the child is a foreign citizen having completed middle school or high school education) wishes to transfer into
a Korean school, the student is eligible for an exceptional entrance. The student may enter a school at an
educational level immediately above the one to which they belong at the present time.
