The South Korean Ministry of Education has announced a comprehensive policy plan aimed at reducing private tutoring expenses and enhancing the quality of public education. This initiative responds to findings from the March 2025 survey on private education costs, focusing on expanding effective public services to address the root causes of private tutoring demand. The policy includes increased support for after-school sports and arts clubs, improved literacy and basic academic skills, and strengthened career guidance. The overarching goal is to create an educational environment where students can thrive without relying on private tutoring.
The new measures will directly impact elementary and secondary school students, especially those from vulnerable groups such as low-income families and students with migrant backgrounds. By 2027, after-school program vouchers will be extended to fourth-grade elementary students, and tailored care programs will continue for first and second graders. All middle schools will implement reading and writing clubs by 2030, and targeted learning support will be prioritized for disadvantaged students. Additionally, high school students will benefit from expanded self-directed learning centers and enhanced online content.
Implementation will occur in phases from 2027 to 2030, with incremental expansion of program eligibility and support. The Ministry plans to increase after-school voucher coverage to 70% of third graders by the end of 2024, and to fourth graders by 2027. The ‘1 Classroom 2 Teachers’ system will be expanded to 6,000 schools in 2025, and video tutoring for English and math will grow from 1,300 students in early 2026 to 5,000 by 2027. Legal reforms, including amendments to the ‘Hagwon Act’, will introduce stricter penalties for illegal tutoring practices and improve transparency.
Frequently asked questions include: Who can access the new after-school vouchers? By 2027, all elementary students up to fourth grade will be eligible. What support is available for students with learning difficulties? Specialized teachers, checklists for early detection, and comprehensive clinic centers will provide targeted assistance. How will career guidance improve? AI-powered counseling and expanded teacher support will offer personalized academic planning. These policies aim to ensure equitable access to quality education and reduce reliance on private tutoring.
South Korea’s new education policies are grounded in data-driven analysis and aim to reduce reliance on private tutoring by strengthening public school offerings. The phased expansion of after-school programs, targeted support for vulnerable students, and legal reforms addressing illegal tutoring practices are practical steps toward greater educational equity. The integration of AI-powered career guidance and improved online content reflects a forward-looking approach. These measures are expected to build parental confidence in public education and ease financial pressures for families.