The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) is embarking on an important educational initiative starting this year, launching the 'Seoul-type Korean Language Preparatory School.' This program is designated to assist multicultural students, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, who often struggle with Korean language communication and school adaptation.
According to the SMOE, the preparatory school will be available to students entering, or currently enrolled at, middle and high schools. Those who qualify will first undergo Korean language proficiency assessments to tailor educational support effectively to their needs. This year, approximately 230 students are expected to enroll.
The program will be implemented twice this year, across the first and second semesters, with each session lasting about three months. SMOE has allocated 300 million won (about $230,000) for this program, which will operate from the Dongyang Mirae University and Sookmyung Women’s University—both institutions recognized for their capacity and expertise to cater to the needs of multicultural students.
The initiative aims to counter the increasing communication challenges faced by multicultural students. A survey conducted by the SMOE revealed significant struggles among teachers when engaging with these students, primarily attributed to their limited Korean proficiency. Out of 7,483 multicultural students surveyed, 626 (about 8.37%) found themselves at levels where they could barely communicate or could only handle simple conversations.
Over recent years, there has been a notable rise in the number of multicultural students within Seoul's educational system. From 2019 to 2024, the city's total student population decreased by about 11.5%, from 869,632 to 769,416. Conversely, the number of multicultural students surged from 17,929 to 21,282, marking an increase of 18.7% and underscoring the urgent need for targeted programs like the Korean Language Preparatory School.
To effectively conduct the program, classes will be deliberately kept small, with no more than 15 students per class. This structure facilitates immersive learning experiences and allows for individualized instruction based on each student’s proficiency level. Classes will offer not just concentrated Korean language training but also encompass arts, physical education, and career mentoring to provide holistic support for the students as they adapt to their new environments.
Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education's Superintendent Jeong Geun-sik highlighted the significance of this program: "The growing number of multicultural students facing challenges with language and social adaptation necessitates continuous efforts to provide supportive educational pathways. The Seoul-type Korean Language Preparatory School will serve as a reliable source of assistance for both multicultural students and the broader school community."
This comprehensive program is not just about language acquisition; it's also about fostering community and support networks within schools, creating stronger ties between students and educators to promote inclusivity and engagement among diverse student groups.
Looking forward, the SMOE plans to extend the program's reach. It aims to collaborate with additional institutions to provide consistent support and continue refining its approach to meet the dynamic needs of multicultural students as enrollment numbers increase.
The establishment of the Seoul-type Korean Language Preparatory School aligns with broader educational goals of inclusivity and equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.