My theory of Korean schoolchildren’s lives

Kids here are so overwhelmed by the burdens their parents and ancestors have placed on them. Korea is a funny place. They are studied by scholars the world over for their incredible progress from nothing to major global player within such a short time. After being here even such a short time, I feel I have gained some insight.

For millennia, the Korean peninsula was beaten and pillaged by forces wanting access to the Asian mainland. Russia, China, Mongolia, and Japan have all tried their hands at ruling this land. Koreans have been subjugated, raped, their villages pillaged, all my many forces over the centuries. Still, they have retained ancient customs and belief systems, and now have an overdeveloped inferiority complex and revenge hatred.

After the cease-fire accord of the 1950s (necessary because by then even Koreans were fighting each other for survival), the 2 Koreas began down very different paths from the same starting place. The arbitrary line drawn by the American forces along the 38th parallel forced families apart, and changed the course of South Korea’s future. The North embraced communism, and the poor Koreans remained poor, with lessening freedoms. They were tirelessly fed propaganda about the North Korean system being the only way they would survive, and how the Southerners were perishing without Communist guidance. The government worked hard to secure its necessity in the minds of its citizens, and for nearly 60 years, it has worked. But things are starting to change- a little. North Koreans are not permitted access to outside news sources or internet access, but even during the short reunification visits that some have been lucky enough to experience, the vast differences can be seen.

The South, after feeling relegated to the dredges for so many years, began its path toward industrialization and advancement. They worked longer hours than they could stand, many times at 3 or 4 jobs, to learn many skills and earn as much money as possible. They became entrepreneurs, opening small shops and restaurants. They created a need for increased education in all areas, but especially in skilled fields and English, seen as the gateway through which they could accomplish anything. If they were able to communicate and compete in the global marketplace, they could secure their place in future history.

The grandparents (and great-grandparents, at this point) worked as hard as they could to create better opportunities for their children. And them, for their children. Grandparents today think the kids have it pretty easy- all they have to do is go to school and learn- so they see nothing wrong with sending them to school (and several hagwons) for up to 16 hours a day.

But the kids are exhausted all the time. Yes, if they make it, they’ll have great knowledge and will do well for themselves and future generations. But they can barely keep their heads up in class. By the time they see me, they’ve already gone to school and several hagwons. They drive me crazy because it’s my job to keep them focused and on task, which is next to impossible. And I feel bad punishing them for being exhausted. It’s a no-win situation.