1. Introduction to the text
The Korean education system is known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence and intense competition. One unique aspect of this system is the prevalence of hagwons, also known as private academies or cram schools, which offer supplementary education services. These hagwons play a significant role in the lives of Korean students, providing additional tutoring and preparation for high-stakes exams. The phenomenon of hagwons has its roots in the country’s Confucian heritage, which values education as a pathway to social mobility and success.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 학원 | hagwon | private academy or cram school |
| 사교육 | sagyoyuk | private supplementary education |
| 입시 | ipsi | college entrance exam |
| 과외 | gwawoe | private tutoring |
| 선행학습 | seonhaenghakseup | advanced learning or pre-learning |
| 학습지 | hakseupji | workbooks or study materials |
| 성적 | seongjjeok | academic performance or grades |
| 과열경쟁 | gwahyeolgyeongjaeng | intense competition |
| 사설기관 | sasaeolgigwan | private institution |
| 교육열 | gyoyukyeol | passion for education |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
한국의 학생들은 정규 학교 수업 외에도 다양한 과목을 학원에서 배운다.
Korean students learn various subjects at hagwons (private academies) in addition to regular school classes.
학원은 주로 입시 준비나 보충 학습을 위해 운영된다.
Hagwons primarily operate to prepare students for college entrance exams or provide supplementary learning.
많은 학부모들은 자녀의 성적 향상을 위해 과외나 학습지 등 사교육에 투자한다.
Many parents invest in private supplementary education, such as private tutoring or workbooks, to improve their children’s academic performance.
한국의 교육 열기는 전통적으로 높았으며, 이는 사회적 지위와 성공을 위한 열쇠로 여겨졌다.
The passion for education in Korea has traditionally been high, as it was seen as the key to social status and success.
하지만 과열된 사교육 경쟁은 가정 경제와 학생들의 정신 건강에 부담을 줄 수 있다.
However, the intense competition in private supplementary education can put a strain on household finances and students’ mental well-being.
정부는 사교육비 규제와 공교육 강화 정책을 통해 이 문제를 해결하려 노력해 왔다.
The government has attempted to address this issue through regulations on private education costs and policies to strengthen public education.
그럼에도 불구하고 많은 학생들은 여전히 학원에 의존하고 있다.
Nevertheless, many students still rely heavily on hagwons.
학원 수업은 소규모 그룹으로 진행되어 개별 학습에 도움이 된다고 여겨진다.
Hagwon classes are conducted in small groups, which is believed to be helpful for personalized learning.
또한 선행 학습을 통해 학교 수업을 미리 준비할 수 있다는 점도 장점으로 꼽힌다.
Another advantage is that students can prepare for school lessons in advance through pre-learning.
하지만 일각에서는 과도한 사교육이 학생들에게 지나친 부담을 준다는 우려도 있다.
However, there are concerns that excessive private supplementary education places an undue burden on students.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. What is the primary purpose of hagwons in the Korean education system?
2. Why do many Korean parents invest in private supplementary education for their children?
3. What are some potential drawbacks of the intense competition in private supplementary education in Korea?
4. How has the government attempted to address the issue of excessive private education costs?
5. What are some perceived advantages of hagwon classes compared to regular school classes?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The prevalence of hagwons and private supplementary education in Korea is deeply rooted in the country’s Confucian heritage, which emphasizes the importance of education as a means of social mobility and personal development. This cultural value has led to a highly competitive educational environment, where students and parents feel immense pressure to excel academically.