Chungnam Provincial Council Introduces Ordinance on Support for Chinese Character Education

Assemblyman Yoo Seongjae Stresses Systematic Support for Chinese Character Education
Key Points: Strengthening Support for Chinese Character Education and Defining Superintendent's Responsibilities

Assemblyman Seongjae Yoo of Chungnam Province, who sponsored the ordinance on support for Chinese character education. / Photo by Chungnam Provincial Council

The Chungnam Provincial Council is moving to establish a system to systematically support the improvement of students' language skills and literacy. This comes as Assemblyman Seongjae Yoo (Cheonan 5, People Power Party) sponsored the "Ordinance on Support for Chinese Character Education," which was introduced on July 8.

The ordinance aims to strengthen support for Chinese character education by outlining the responsibilities of the superintendent of education, the establishment of support plans and projects, and the creation of cooperative systems. The ordinance is scheduled to be reviewed during the 360th temporary session of the provincial council, which will be held starting July 15.

Currently, Chinese character education has been offered as an elective subject rather than a required course in elementary and secondary schools since the 2016 Constitutional Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of the "Notice on Elective Chinese Character Education for Elementary and Secondary Schools." Under the current curriculum, Chinese character education receives little emphasis: in elementary schools, it is incorporated into related subjects and creative experiential activities; in middle schools, it is offered as an elective subject; and in high schools, the number of class hours is determined based on students' career paths, aptitudes, and demand.

Assemblyman Yoo pointed out, "More than 50% of our vocabulary consists of Sino-Korean words, but the low emphasis and importance placed on Chinese character education is causing students to struggle with Korean language use and communication." He added, "If the ordinance is passed, Chinese character education will be conducted in a more systematic and effective manner in schools. This will help students correctly understand and utilize Chinese characters, and will provide practical support for improving their linguistic thinking skills and literacy."