Smartphones and Skyrocketing Education Costs: A Troubling Trend in Seoul
Middle school students in South Korea excel academically but struggle with social interactions with their peers.
"Phone in hand, a student walks out of school – a snapshot of modern life in the South Korean education system."
Caught in the Education Cost Trap
The vibrant streets of Seoul are filled with digitally-connected individuals, one of whom is a middle-school student engrossed in her smartphone as she leaves school – a common sight in 2024. This image raises questions about the city's education system and the spiraling costs associated with it. [YONHAP]
A Peek into Korea's Hefty Educational Expenses
- Rising Private Education Expenditure: Amidst a shrinking population, spending on private education, primarily in hagwons, has skyrocketed. In 2023, Koreans forked out an eye-watering 27.1 trillion won (approximately $19 billion) on private tutoring for elementary, junior high, and high school students, marking a 4.5% surge from the previous year[2]. By 2024, this staggering figure reached an all-time high of 29.2 trillion won (around $20.1 billion)[5].
- Hefty Monthly Expenses: The average monthly expenditure for private tutoring per high school student amounts to approximately 740,000 won[2]. A family with two children, for instance, reported spending an astounding 6 million won per month[2].
The Stress of Academic Pressure and Lifestyle Choices
- Academic Stress and Work-Life Balance: The unrelenting emphasis on academic achievement instills immense pressure on students and families alike, leading some to forgo starting a family due to financial and lifestyle concerns[2]. Despite lingering economic uncertainties, education remains a top priority as South Koreans continued to invest in education institutions during periods of crisis, with card spending onprivate education institutes increasing by 4.3% in March 2025[3].
Math Performance and the Competitive South Korean Education System
While recent data on mathematics performance may not be easily accessible, the South Korean education system is known for its competitiveness and toughness. Students turn to hagwons not just for English, but also to polish their math skills[1]. The relentless competition drives parents to splurge on private tutoring for math to give their children a leg up academically[1].
Navigating the Challenges Ahead
- Economic Strain: The financial burden of private education can add weight to families' financial lives, potentially worsening income disparities.
- Demographic Impact: The unforgiving education environment might contribute to South Korea's low birthrate as prospective parents weigh the financial implications of having children within the existing educational context[2].
- Bouncing Back from the Academic Grind: The focus on academic achievement can have a toll on students' physical and mental health, making it crucial to encourage a balance between academic and personal well-being. [1][2][3][5]
- The escalating expenditure on private education, such as hagwons, in the international society, particularly in South Korea, is a cause for concern among general news outlets.
- In the health-and-wellness aspect, the relentless emphasis on academic achievement in the Korean education system can have a toll on students' physical and mental health, necessitating a balance between academic and personal well-being.
- A growing trend in the education-and-self-development sector, the surge in private education costs worldwide indicates a need for global discussions, specifically on the affordability of education, its impact on society, and potential solutions.
