The trend begins early. In Seoul, children must pass entrance tests for English pre-schools, and by age five, most are enrolled in hagwons to prepare for rigorous math, Korean, and English programs. The intensive schedule often extends beyond the classroom, with parents accompanying children to late-night sessions in study cafés or supervising homework in public spaces.

Lee Kyong-min, a parent who left her advertising career to focus on her daughters’ education, describes the exhausting routine: “From school to hagwons and then home, seven days a week, it’s a cycle of constant preparation. Many parents wait in cafés while their children complete homework and dinner before heading to the next class.”

Hagwons have become a multi-billion-dollar industry, valued at 1.84 lakh crore rupees in 2024. In Seoul’s Gangnam district alone, over 1,200 centers operate, often requiring entrance tests even for preschool-age children. To facilitate focused learning, the city has established soundproof cabins along streets, while specialized clinics and therapy zones claim to enhance cognitive performance and reduce stress.

Experts warn of severe mental health consequences. Professor Kim Dong-su of Seoul National University states, “The pressure from hagwons threatens both children and society. Mental health issues and suicide rates among students have risen. Education should not be limited to exam results alone.”

The stakes are high. Families seeking top universities, particularly in medical fields, often enforce repetitive learning cycles. One coaching operator notes that primary students sometimes attend 40 hours of extra classes weekly. Six-year-old students face psychological stress, with parents heavily invested in their academic success.

Some parents, like Park Yuna, have witnessed the tragic consequences of the pressure. After a peer’s suicide due to failure in a prestigious math hagwon, Park decided her children’s well-being took priority over admission to top schools. Lee’s daughters were sent to American boarding schools to escape relentless stress. Her elder daughter, previously weak in math, now thrives and is labeled a “genius,” while helping other students manage academic pressure.

The South Korean system illustrates the global debate over early childhood education, academic intensity, and the balance between achievement and mental health.