Seoul 1.37 Million Won, Gyeongbuk 880 Thousand Won
How much are young parents spending on their young children's English education?
Parents in South Korea with young children are reportedly spending an average of about 1.2 million won per month on English academy fees.
On the 29th, Kim Dae-sik, a member of the National Assembly's Education Committee representing Sasang District in Busan, disclosed data titled 'Status of English Academies for Young Children by Province over the Past 3 Years,' which he received from the Ministry of Education.
According to Kim Dae-sik's office, the number of English academies for young children nationwide increased by 20, from 811 in 2022 to 831 as of June 2024. During the same period, the number of academies in Seoul rose by 30, from 269 to 291, and in Busan by 10, from 59 to 69. In contrast, Gangwon Province saw a decrease of 5 academies, from 16 to 11, showing regional disparities.
As of June 2024, the average monthly tuition fee for English academies for young children nationwide was calculated at 1,215,000 won. By region, Seoul had the highest fee at 1,373,000 won, followed by Gwangju at 1,332,000 won, Incheon at 1,318,000 won, and Busan at 1,264,000 won. Meanwhile, Gyeongbuk recorded the lowest fee at 883,000 won.
Assemblyman Kim Dae-sik urged, "The increase in English academies for young children and the high tuition fees are increasing the economic burden on parents, so the Ministry of Education and local governments must thoroughly inspect illegal operations."
He also emphasized, "Education should align with the developmental characteristics of young children and the direction of the Nuri Curriculum. The government must also strive to create a fair educational environment so that parents are not excessively burdened."
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