Elementary Education

The elementary education system is structured for children to receive 6 years of education that nurtures the human character (foster an independent, creative, cultivated, and harmonious person) pursued in the 2015 Revised Education Curriculum.

The purpose of elementary school education is to develop basic habits and foundational skills for students’ daily life and learning as well as cultivate sound personality.

Children may enter an elementary school when they turn 5 years old. Currently, about 410,000 students (as of May 2020) are enrolled in 602 elementary schools in Seoul. The elementary school education curriculum consists of subjects (groups) and creative experiences/activities. The subjects (groups) include Korean Language, Social Studies/Ethics, Mathematics, Science/Practical Course, Physical Education, Performing Arts (Music/Art), and English. However, the subjects for the 1st and 2nd grades are Korean Language, Mathematics, Upright Life, Wise Life and Pleasant Life. The creative experiences/activities consist of self-structured activities, club activities, volunteer activities, and career development activities. Furthermore, the curriculum for the 1st and 2nd grades must include experiences/activities focused on ‘Safe Life’.

School heads can autonomously revise/run the education curriculum by increasing or decreasing the study timing within 20% of the standard class hours per subject (group) based on educational needs and conditions. Accordingly, schools organize and operate educational curriculums of unit school considering various situations and conditions with the participation of the school community members.