Do Koreans Learn English in School?

In South Korea, English is more than just a subject—it’s a serious national priority. From elementary school through university, English is taught across all levels of the education system, and for many Korean students, the journey begins as early as kindergarten.

The importance placed on learning English reflects the country’s deep investment in globalization, international business, academic competitiveness, and cultural exchange.

But while English is technically part of the curriculum, the way it’s taught—and how effective it is—has long been a topic of debate. Many Koreans spend over a decade learning English in school, yet still struggle with fluency or confidence in real-world conversation. This gap has led to a rise in private education and supplementary learning platforms, including options like 전화영어 (phone-based English lessons).

When English Education Begins in Korean Schools

English becomes a formal subject in public schools starting from third grade, although many students begin earlier through private preschools, tutoring centers, or online programs. From grades 3 through 12, English is part of the mandatory school curriculum, covering grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and listening. In high school, English education intensifies as students prepare for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), where English scores play a major role in university admissions.

Despite this early and sustained exposure, students often report that their English classes focus heavily on memorization, grammar translation, and test-taking skills, rather than speaking fluently or using English in real-life situations. This exam-driven approach shapes how English is taught and how students engage with the language.

Why Fluency Remains a Challenge for Many Students

Although Korean students spend years studying English in school, many still find it difficult to hold a natural conversation or express themselves confidently. One of the primary reasons is the structure of the national curriculum, which is geared toward achieving high test scores rather than developing communication skills.

In a typical public school classroom, large class sizes, limited speaking opportunities, and rigid teaching methods make it difficult for students to practice real conversation. Students become proficient in reading and listening to formal English, but they rarely get the chance to speak spontaneously or develop a natural rhythm in conversation. This disconnect becomes even more noticeable when they enter university or the workforce and are suddenly required to speak English in interviews, meetings, or presentations.

The Role of Private Education and After-School Programs

To bridge the gap between school English and real-world English, many families invest in private education. The hagwon (학원) system—private after-school academies—is a major part of Korean education culture. English hagwons specialize in everything from vocabulary drills to speaking-focused training, often offering small group or one-on-one classes.

Additionally, many students now turn to more flexible, tech-based options like phone English, where they can speak directly with native speakers or trained tutors via phone. These lessons help students focus on pronunciation, listening comprehension, and natural speaking in a less pressured setting. Similarly, 화상영어 programs allow students to interact with instructors through video, recreating the feel of a face-to-face conversation, which is especially useful for improving fluency and gaining confidence.

These supplemental options are particularly valuable for students who want to go beyond textbook knowledge and become active English users—not just test takers.

Government Reforms and the Future of English Learning

Over the years, the South Korean government has made several efforts to improve English education. These include introducing English immersion programs, hiring more native English-speaking teachers (especially in rural areas), and revising textbooks to include more conversational English.

However, challenges remain. The pressure of university entrance exams continues to drive many schools to teach for the test. At the same time, more students and parents are demanding real language skills that will be useful beyond graduation. This growing demand is pushing the system to evolve, slowly but steadily.

Today, students who want to truly become fluent in English must take responsibility for their progress—often by combining what they learn in school with real conversational practice, travel, online tutoring, or daily exposure through media.

Final Thoughts

Yes, Koreans learn English in school. They dedicate years of formal education to the subject. But whether that education leads to fluency depends on how much speaking practice and real-world application is included alongside grammar drills and test prep.

As Korea continues to embrace global communication, the future of English education lies not just in school policy—but in how individual learners approach the language beyond the classroom.