South Korea to ban entrance exams for young children

Starting October 1, 2024, South Korea will implement an amendment to the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Private Teaching Institutes and Extracurricular Lessons. This law prohibits academies and private tutors from conducting exams or evaluations for the purpose of recruiting young children or assigning them to specific levels. This measure aims to end the practice known as the ‘4-year-old exam’ or ‘7-year-old exam,’ which has placed excessive pressure on young children and parents.

The ban covers written, oral, interview, and practical tests, as well as performance-based evaluations like problem-solving or presentations. It also prohibits using external test results, report cards, or certificates to determine class placement. However, diagnostic observations, conversations, or consultations conducted after a child has enrolled—with parental consent—are permitted to support educational activities, provided they do not rank students or use scores and pass/fail statuses.

Additionally, the scope of mandatory reporting for private tutoring has been expanded to include those teaching young children. Failure to report or providing false information may result in imprisonment for up to one year or fines of up to 10 million won. Violations regarding prohibited entrance exams will face administrative fines of up to 3 million won, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses.