IMID Notes

If you are raising children in Korea, school quickly becomes an important part of everyday family life. For parents who did not grow up in Korea, however, even ordinary things can feel unfamiliar at first. What happens during the school day? What do children eat? What do they need to bring? And what is the area around the school like? Based on what I have seen as a parent raising children in Korea, here are some everyday aspects of Korean elementary school life that may be useful for families who are new to the system. Starting Elementary School in Korea The Korean school year begins in March , rather than in September as it does in many countries. For first graders, the entrance ceremony marks an important transition into school life. During the first weeks, children gradually become familiar with their classroom, teachers, classmates, and new daily routines. For parents too, there is quite a lot to learn at the beginning. The beginning of a new scho...

Raising children is full of choices wherever you live. But raising children in Korea can sometimes make those choices feel especially difficult. Korea offers children many opportunities, from good schools and academies to sports programmes, music lessons, libraries and cultural activities. As a parent, it is easy to feel grateful for all these possibilities. At the same time, having so many opportunities raises another question: How much is enough? When everyone around you seems to be doing more, it can be difficult to decide what your own child actually needs. Growing up in Korea can bring children many opportunities—and parents many decisions. Growing Up in Korea's Culture of Education Education has an important place in Korean society. From an early age, many children attend hagwons after school for English, mathematics, science, writing, music, sports and other subjects. As a parent, you naturally want to give your children as many opportunities a...