University Students In Korea: Age And Demographics

In South Korea, students graduate from high school at the age of 19 and typically enter university in the same year. University courses are usually three to four years long, but some students take a gap year to focus on admissions, and many male students take a break from their studies to complete their mandatory military service. As a result, the graduation age for university students in South Korea is often between 24 and 27.

Korean students are 18-19 internationally when they start university

In South Korea, students graduate from high school at the age of 19. This means that they are 18 or 19 years old when they start university, depending on their birthday. In fact, in the past, it was possible to enter university at an even younger age, as students could take an early graduation qualification examination or early admission. However, this is no longer the case, and students now need to be at least 10 years old to enter university.

Korean students face intense pressure to succeed academically from a young age. The country's education system is often described as intensely and brutally competitive, and academic success is seen as a crucial driver of upward social mobility. Graduating from a top university is considered a prestigious marker of high socioeconomic status, promising marriage prospects, and a path to a respectable white-collar profession. As such, many parents hold high educational expectations for their children, closely monitoring their academic performance.

University entrance rates in South Korea are high, with over 80% of high school graduates enrolling in tertiary education. However, this has led to an oversupply of university graduates competing for a limited number of jobs. As a result, university graduates often face difficulties finding stable employment, and there is a perception that vocational careers are inferior.

The transition to university can be challenging for Korean students, as they must adapt to a more independent style of learning. University classes typically last about 20 hours per week, and students are expected to study on their own. This contrasts with high school, where students attend classes for 34 hours per week. The increased academic demands and freedom of university life can lead to a decline in academic performance, with many students neglecting their studies during their first year.

Korean students who are 18 or 19 years old when they start university face unique challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, they may struggle with the increased academic demands and the need to develop more independent learning skills. On the other hand, they have the chance to shape their own educational path and explore new areas of interest. It is a time of growth and self-discovery, as they navigate the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

Korean age is tied to New Year's Day, not birthdays

In Korea, age is deeply embedded in the culture and language. The traditional Korean age reckoning system, which was in use until June 2023, is different from the international age system used in most countries.

In the traditional Korean system, a person's age is tied to New Year's Day, not their birthday. This means that everyone in Korea gains a year on January 1st, not on their birthdate. For example, a baby born on New Year's Eve is considered one year old at birth and becomes two years old the next day on New Year's Day. This is because, in Korea, a year is added to a person's age every January 1st, regardless of their actual birthdate.

The traditional Korean age system also considers a year in the womb, so everyone is one year old at birth. This is in contrast to the international age system, where a newborn baby is considered to be zero years old.

The Korean age reckoning system was changed to the international age system in South Korea in June 2023. This change was made to reduce confusion and social disputes caused by the different ways of calculating age. Now, the international age system is used for official purposes, such as legal and administrative functions, and passports. However, the traditional Korean age system is still used in certain key areas, such as school year eligibility and military service.

The change in the age reckoning system means that Koreans are now a year or two younger according to the international age system. For example, a woman born in August 2003 would be 19 years old under the international system, but 20 or 21 years old under the traditional Korean system.

The concept of age is very important in Korean culture, affecting social interactions and relative social status. Age dictates which titles and honorifics are used when speaking to people of different ages. With the change to the international age system, everyone in a specific school year will be considered the same age, and students will not need to use honorifics when speaking to each other.

Korean students graduate high school at 19

In Korea, students graduate from high school at 19. This is because the school system works differently from the American system. In the US, children start the first grade at around six years old and finish at 18. In Korea, however, children start the first grade at eight years old and finish the 12th grade at 19.

Additionally, men often take a break from their studies to complete their mandatory 18-month military service, which can cause them to graduate later. It is also not uncommon for students to switch majors during their time at university, which can push back their graduation date. All these factors mean that it is not unusual for Korean students to be in their late twenties and still studying for their undergraduate degrees.

The Korean age system also adds to the confusion. When a baby is born, they are considered one year old. On New Year's Day, they turn two. Age in Korea is tied to the new year and not an individual's birthday.

University courses are usually 4 years, but medicine is 6

In South Korea, students typically enter university at the age of 20 (18-19 internationally). University courses are usually four years long, but medicine is six. This means that students graduate from university at around the age of 24. However, in South Korea, men are required to serve in the military for two years, so male university graduates are usually 26-27 years old.

University is the traditional route pursued by young South Koreans after graduating from high school, as it is the most prestigious form of higher education in the country. In 2017, over 68.9% of South Korean high school graduates went on to attend university. Competition for university spots is fierce, with many students vying for places at the country's most prestigious universities.

The three most prestigious universities in South Korea, collectively referred to as "SKY," are Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. These institutions are seen as a gateway to high socioeconomic status, promising marriage prospects, and prestigious careers. As such, there is a lot of pressure on students to gain admission to these universities, and many take a gap year to prepare for the rigorous entrance exams.

The high value placed on higher education in South Korea has contributed to its reputation as one of the world's most educated countries.

Many Korean students take gap years

In Korea, students typically start university at the age of 20 (18-19 internationally). However, it is not uncommon for students to take a gap year before starting their undergraduate studies. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, university admission tests in Korea are notoriously challenging, so many students choose to take a gap year to focus on their studies and prepare for these tests. This extra time allows them to strengthen their applications and increase their chances of getting into their desired schools.

Another reason for taking a gap year is to gain valuable experiences that can enhance their university applications. Students may participate in study abroad or exchange programs, community volunteering, internships, or part-time work. These activities not only make their applications more competitive but also provide them with opportunities to explore different interests and gain real-world experience.

For male students, mandatory military service is often a factor in their decision to take a gap year. They usually complete their 18-24 months of service before starting university or during their undergraduate studies, which can delay their graduation.

The cost of living in South Korea is relatively affordable, especially compared to countries like the US. This affordability attracts students from around the world who are looking for a stimulating and transformative gap year experience. South Korea offers a unique blend of vibrant cities, rich history, and cultural traditions. It is also known for its delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife.

Additionally, South Korea is a highly "connected" country with excellent internet and cell phone coverage, making it convenient for students to stay connected during their gap year. The country also boasts impressive safety rankings, providing a secure environment for students to explore and immerse themselves in the local culture.

Overall, taking a gap year is a common practice among Korean students, allowing them to gain valuable experiences, enhance their university applications, and explore personal interests before embarking on their undergraduate studies.

Frequently asked questions