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Seoul to launch Korean language program for multicultural students
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education said Sunday it will launch a language and cultural education program in March to assist international middle and high school students struggling with communication in the Korean language. The program is designed for young people from multicultural backgrounds, particularly those who moved to Korea during their adolescence and face difficulties with the Korean language and cultural adaptation. The initiative, dubbed “Korean Language Prep School,” will pr
Feb. 23, 2025 -
Teachers fear stigmatization of mental health issues in proposed ‘Haneul bill’
Education Ministry says it will distinguish between general mental health issues and behavior that poses risk to others As South Korea’s ruling People Power Party are proposing what they are calling the "Haneul bill" to place “at-risk” teachers with mental illnesses on mandatory leave, teachers’ organizations are pushing back, fearing that it could reinforce stigma and discourage educators from seeking necessary treatment. Educators worry that targeting mental health in such a manner could lead
Feb. 18, 2025 -
Fatal stabbing of student reveals safety limitations in after-school programs
In response to the tragic death of eight-year-old Kim Ha-neul by a teacher stabbing Kim after an after-school program, speculations have rose in South Korea regarding the programs’ safety measures for students. The after-school care program, dubbed “Neulbom School” in Korean, is an after-school management system including educational programs and activities for student growth and development. The system was introduced by the Yoon Suk Yeol administration in January 2023 as a part of measures to c
Feb. 12, 2025 -
Korea to draw up 'Kim Ha-neul law' to monitor mental health on teachers
In response to the tragic stabbing of an 8-year-old student by a teacher, the government is advancing legislation that would allow authorities to place teachers on mandatory leave if they are deemed unfit to perform their duties due to mental illness or other conditions. Education Minister Lee Joo-ho announced Wednesday that the law, named after the victim, Kim Ha-neul, will be implemented to monitor the mental health of school teachers. He added that the government will also consider measures f
Feb. 12, 2025 -
Uncertainty looms over medical students’ return ahead of new semester
As the university admissions process for this year approaches its end, the ongoing dispute over the medical student enrollment quota continues to cast a shadow over the return of defiant medical students to class in the upcoming academic year. Among the concerns about the fallout from the persisting mass leave of defiant students is the prospect of low quality education, with the number of students doubling next year. Universities are pushing for students’ return this year to avoid an overwhelmi
Jan. 30, 2025 -
Where is future of AI textbooks headed?
Parents condemn acting president's decision, urge to revoke AI textbooks Confusion at schools is growing as to what scenario to prepare for after South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok vetoed a bill to redefine artificial intelligence digital textbooks as "educational materials" rather than "textbooks." During a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Choi justified the decision by emphasizing the importance of AI-powered textbooks in promoting personalized learning experiences. He also expressed concern
Jan. 22, 2025 -
Seoul Cyber University shapes AI-based educational transformation
Seoul Cyber University, South Korea's first online university, is setting new standards for higher education by adopting innovative, AI-driven learning solutions. As part of this initiative, the university is utilizing AI technologies to enhance the delivery of higher education. For example, SCU plans to introduce AI-powered lectures in 2025, featuring virtual instructors built with text-to-speech technology and modeled on real professors. These AI instructors will provide consistent, engaging,
Dec. 26, 2024 -
Schools to operate normally despite martial law declaration: ministry
Following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of emergency martial law on Dec. 3, the Ministry of Education has officially confirmed that schools will operate as usual on Wednesday. In a statement issued late this evening, a Ministry of Education spokesperson clarified, “Despite the declaration of martial law, there are currently no directives or restrictions that would necessitate school closures. Classes will proceed as scheduled tomorrow.” This announcement comes amid a wa
Dec. 4, 2024 -
AI textbook in classrooms: Timely, or too early?
SEJONG -- Starting in March next year, classrooms across South Korea will see a new digital transformation. Instead of opening up textbooks, third, fourth, and seventh graders, along with first-year high school students, will turn on their digital devices to participate in class. On Monday, the Ministry of Education unveiled 76 government-certified artificial intelligence-based digital textbooks, showcasing their capabilities through a demonstration to reporters. If successfully implemented, Sou
Dec. 3, 2024 -
Education Ministry firm on keeping medical quota expansion
The Ministry of Education said Monday that it regretted the suspension of operations by the medical standoff consultation body, adding that the government is open to talks for the school year 2026, not 2025. Koo Yeon-hee, a ministry spokesperson, made the remarks at a briefing at the Sejong Complex, responding to the medical community's decision to cease the council on Sunday. The ministry also reiterated its stance on keeping the increased quota and noted that the 2025 quota for medical sc
Dec. 2, 2024 -
Yonsei University to hold additional essay test amid question leak controversy
The Ministry of Education approved Yonsei University's plan to conduct an additional essay test for natural sciences applicants after the original exam -- part of the 2025 admissions cycle -- was marred by a leaked question. The decision aims to resolve ongoing legal disputes over the leak and stabilize the university’s admissions process. The additional test, scheduled for December 8, comes in response to a court ruling that suspended the results of the original exam after proctors a
Nov. 27, 2024 -
Suwon to host UNESCO education forum
Suwon, south of Seoul, will host the 2024 UNESCO International Forum on the Futures of Education from Dec. 2 to 4, bringing together over 1,800 participants from around the world, including government ministers, international organization representatives, academics and civil society experts. The forum, organized by UNESCO, builds on the organization's 2021 report "Reimagining Our Futures Together: A New Social Contract for Education," which emphasizes the need for equitable and su
Nov. 25, 2024 -
Ministry to launch agency to expand hangeul courses globally
The South Korean government is intensifying its efforts to expand Korean language education in elementary and middle schools worldwide, leveraging the growing global interest in Korean literature following author Han Kang's recent Nobel Prize win. The Ministry of Education on Monday unveiled its plan to establish a specialized agency to develop strategies for Korean language education tailored to different countries and regions. The agency will also create localized learning materials and
Nov. 25, 2024 -
Sejong Univ. ranks 11th globally in hospitality, tourism management
Sejong University's hospitality and tourism management program secured 11th place globally in the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities by subject, released by Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Graduate School of Education. Domestically, the university has maintained its top spot in hospitality and management for five consecutive years since 2020. Considered one of the world’s top three university rankings alongside QS and Times Higher Education rankings, the ARWU subject ra
Nov. 21, 2024 -
Suneung retakes hit record amid med school expansion
South Korea’s annual College Scholastic Ability Test, or Suneung, took place on Thursday, witnessing a record number of retakers, drawn by the prospect of increased medical school enrollment quotas next year. With the highest number of retakers in 21 years, a total of 522,670 students, including high school seniors and graduates, were registered to take the state-administered Suneung, up 18,082 from last year. While the proportion of graduates was 0.7 percentage points lower than the previ
Nov. 14, 2024