Seoul education chief focuses on inclusive education at early age that can build foundation for future leaders
South Korea is facing increasing social polarization, with deepening divides across generational, economic and ideological lines. Gender conflicts, regional disparities and tensions between different socioeconomic groups have intensified, exacerbated by competition-driven education and widening wealth gaps. Amid this fragmentation, Seoul’s Superintendent of Education, Jung Keun-sik, believes that education must serve as the foundation for bridging these divides.
“Cooperation is the key,” Jung said in an interview with The Korea Herald. “Our education system has long emphasized competition. Students are trained to outperform rather than collaborate. But today’s world requires the opposite. We must teach students to see from others’ perspectives and work together, not against each other.”
For decades, South Korea’s education system has been synonymous with rigorous competition. The country’s emphasis on exam performance has led to a deeply ingrained culture in which students are often pitted against one another in a high-stakes race for success.
"Emphasizing education has always been part of the cultural tradition in our history. Education based on Confucian values encouraged one to rise in the world and gain fame by studying as well as building character. However, with society becoming unstable after the 1997 Asian Economic Crisis and the rapid recovery that followed the crisis broke those values and put an emphasis only on success, making it even more competitive," Jung noted.
Jung, however, believes that the future of education lies in collaboration rather than competition.
Jung argues that South Korea’s hyper-competitive education system has played a role in fostering societal division. Historically, schools have been structured around ranking and individual achievement, reinforcing a culture of rivalry. However, he believes education can also be the solution by fostering empathy, cooperation and understanding across differences.
One of his initiatives is promoting thinking from another’s perspective through an education program that encourages students to engage in discussions while arguing from opposing viewpoints.
“When students argue from a perspective different from their own, they learn the importance of listening, understanding and seeing beyond their own experiences,” he said. “Whether it’s political polarization, generational conflicts, or gender issues, the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes is crucial for social harmony.”
Another growing divide in South Korean schools is the treatment of students from multicultural backgrounds. As the number of students from immigrant and mixed-race families rises, education policies have traditionally focused on assimilation — ensuring that these students quickly adapt to the Korean language and culture. However, Jung questions whether a purely integrationist approach is the right path forward.
“Until now, our approach has been about making multicultural students fit into our system,” Jung said. “But why should the burden be solely on them? Why not create an educational model that embraces their backgrounds as part of Korea’s evolving identity?”
He acknowledges that while Korean language proficiency is essential, there should also be space for students to maintain their linguistic and cultural identities. Some regions in South Korea have begun introducing bilingual education programs, though they remain in the early stages.
“If we want to truly be a global society, we need to start treating diversity as an asset, not an obstacle,” he added.
Rural-urban student exchange
Beyond ethnic and socioeconomic divides, South Korea also faces stark disparities between urban and rural students. To address this, Seoul’s education office has championed exchange programs with schools in rural areas, where students from the city temporarily study in rural schools. This initiative aims to expose students to different lifestyles, break stereotypes and foster regional cooperation.
“The biggest misconception among Seoul’s students is that the city is the center of everything,” Jung says.
“Meanwhile, rural students often feel disconnected from opportunities in the capital. By exchanging experiences, students can break down stereotypes and develop a greater appreciation for different lifestyles.”
Originally, these programs focused on giving city students exposure to nature and agricultural life. However, they have evolved into something broader — encouraging social integration and addressing the growing urban-rural divide.
“These exchanges are not just about visiting a farm for a few weeks,” Jung clarified. “They are about learning cooperation, resilience and the idea that Korea’s future is shared by all regions.”
Tackling private education, inequality
The dominance of private education remains one of the most contentious issues in South Korean education. Parents, driven by fear of their children falling behind, pour vast amounts of money into private tutoring, reinforcing socioeconomic inequalities. Jung acknowledges the need to address this systemic issue but emphasizes that a cultural shift is also required.
“Private education exists everywhere,” he noted. “The problem isn’t just its presence, but the way it preys on parental anxiety, often manufacturing the very fears that drive parents to invest in endless tutoring.”
Jung strongly criticizes extreme forms of early education, such as 4-year-old entrance exams and 7-year-old university prep courses, calling them unethical and harmful to children.
“Some of these practices amount to child abuse,” he said. “Telling a 6-year-old they’re failing because they don’t know concepts meant for high schoolers is not education — it’s manipulation.”
While eliminating private education entirely is unrealistic, Jung believes the public system must step up to provide high-quality alternatives. Expanding free after-school programs, strengthening in-school counseling, and ensuring public education remains rigorous and relevant are all part of his long-term strategy.
Innovative approaches in education
History education has long been a contentious issue in South Korea, often shaped by political and ideological divides. Jung emphasized the need for a balanced, global perspective, ensuring that history is not taught through a purely nationalistic lens.
“We need to move away from a model that only reinforces national pride and instead focuses on fostering global citizenship,” he said. “Students should not only understand Korea’s history but also see how it connects with the broader world.”
He also stressed the importance of ecological transition education, linking historical lessons with environmental consciousness.
“Climate change is the defining issue of our time,” he stated. “Understanding history means recognizing how civilizations have shaped and responded to environmental crises. Our students must be prepared for a future where sustainability is non-negotiable.”
Jung envisions an education system that shifts away from cutthroat competition toward mutual growth. While academic excellence remains important, he emphasizes that success should not come at the expense of social cohesion.
He also acknowledged that making these changes would not be easy. The influence of private education remains strong, and many parents remain deeply invested in the traditional exam-focused model.
However, Jung believes that incremental reforms — such as expanding programs that encourage teamwork, restructuring history education to include a more global perspective, and integrating multicultural students more effectively — will pave the way for a more inclusive society.
“Education is not just about producing high achievers,” he noted. “It is about shaping responsible, empathetic citizens. If we can teach students to cooperate rather than compete, to listen rather than dismiss, we will be taking the first step toward healing the divisions in our society.”
jychoi@heraldcorp.com
