Korean School Culture – What Surprises Foreigners Most?

If you've watched Korean dramas or met exchange students from Korea, you may already know that Korean school life is very different from what you're used to.

Here are 7 things about Korean school culture that often surprise foreign visitors, students, and teachers alike.

📚 1. Long School Days (Really Long)

Most students start school around 8 AM… and some don’t go home until 10 PM. After regular classes, many attend hagwons (private academies) for extra study.

Studying is a full-time lifestyle — especially for high schoolers preparing for university.

🎒 2. Uniforms Are Mandatory

Almost all middle and high schools require uniforms. These are typically seasonal — summer and winter versions — and must be worn properly.

Note: Shoes are often changed indoors (yes, even at school!)

🍱 3. School Lunch Is a Big Deal

Korean school lunches are hot, balanced, and vary daily. They usually include rice, soup, a protein dish, and several banchan (side dishes).

Many foreign students are surprised at how nutritious — and spicy — the meals are.

🎓 4. Respect for Teachers = Culture

Students bow to teachers. They speak using polite forms of language and avoid calling teachers by their first names.

Teachers are highly respected, and discipline in class is stricter than in many Western schools.

📓 5. Morning Greetings & Cleaning Time

Each morning, students greet teachers in unison and often take turns cleaning the classroom. There are no janitors in most schools — it’s part of student duty.

Why? Responsibility and teamwork are key values in Korean education.

📖 6. Test Culture & Competition

Exams are frequent, intense, and carry heavy weight. Even elementary students take them seriously.

The biggest test? The **Suneung** — Korea’s college entrance exam — a national event with flight restrictions during listening sections.

👨‍🏫 7. After-School Clubs and Festivals

Not everything is about study! Schools often have clubs (dance, music, language), sports days, and annual festivals where students perform and decorate classrooms.

It's one of the few times students get to express creativity and fun together.

✅ Final Thoughts

Korean school life can be intense, structured, and deeply rooted in tradition. But it’s also full of pride, teamwork, and meaningful bonds.

Whether you're an exchange student, a future teacher, or just curious, understanding the culture behind Korean education gives you a new level of appreciation.

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