The typical school day in Korea can range from 12 to 16 hours when including after-school academies.
While the official school day might be shorter, the intense academic pressure in South Korea means many students spend a significant portion of their day in school and at hagwons (private after-school academies). This extended time is driven by a highly competitive, test-focused education system.
Here's a breakdown:
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Regular School Hours: The standard school day typically runs from around 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
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Hagwons (After-School Academies): After regular school, many students attend hagwons, which can last several hours, often until late in the evening. These academies provide extra tutoring and instruction, particularly in subjects like math and English.
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Self-Study: Some students also dedicate time to self-study, further extending their academic day.
The long hours are due, in part, to the high value placed on education and the desire to succeed academically, leading to intense competition for university placement.
