Korean Education System
Korea has a single-track 6-3-3-4 system, which maintains a single line of school levels in order to ensure that every citizen can receive primary, secondary, and tertiary education without discrimination and in accordance with the ability of each student. The school year is usually from March-July and September-December, while school vacations are from January-February and mid July-August.
Koreans generally start school at the age of five, although attending kindergarten or day-care centers before elementary school is not compulsory. After two years in kindergarten, Korean children spend six years in elementary school, three years in middle school, three years in high school and four years in university. Students who wish to study at technical colleges (community colleges) after high school will complete two years of education. Both primary and middle school education are compulsory in Korea.
Gwangju has 136 elementary schools, 82 middle schools, 61 high schools, 9 universities, 5 colleges and many vocational schools. Children from foreign countries can enroll in school at anytime, even in the middle of term.
Information on Enrollment up to High School Level
| School | Enrollment Checklist | Additional Information |
| Public Kindergarten |
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-The average monthly tuition fees range from 50,000 won-100,000 won.- These schools are government-run. |
| Private Kindergarten |
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-The average monthly tuition fees ranges from 50,000 won-200, 000 won.-These schools are run by private businesses or foundations. Additionally, kindergartens provide transportation. |
| Elementary School | Submit a certificate of entry and exit or alien registration issued by the administration office directly to the school principal. | - Parents are required to pay additional charges for class excursions, meal services, and other activities. |
| Middle School | Submit to the education office in your district:1. A copy of the transcript for all grades that has been signed/sealed by the head of the elementary school.2. A proof of attendance and documents from your foreign government.3. The original and two additional copies of the certificate of your residence. | - The education office will assign your child to a school.- Go to the school and enroll your child for classes. |
| High School(General, vocational, foreign language, arts and science high schools) | Submit to the Secondary Education Division of the Municipal or Provincial Education Office:1. A copy of your child’s elementary and middle school transcripts.2. A proof of attendance and documents from your foreign government.3. The original and two additional copies of the certificate of your residence.*Kindly verify the required documents with the Education Office at point of transfer. | - Students who have completed or are about to complete nine years of education (elementary and middle school) either in Korea or overseas are entitled to enter a high school in Korea.- The education office will assign your child to a school.- Go to the school and enroll your child for classes. |
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