South Korea Considers Essay Exams for University Entrance, Citing Reduced Need for Cram Schools

South Korea's National Education Commission (NEC) is exploring significant reforms to the college entrance system, including the potential introduction of essay-style questions (seononseul) into the national university entrance exam, known as the Suneung. NEC Chairperson Cha Jung-in expressed confidence that such a shift would diminish the need for private tutoring academies, suggesting that "broad reading" would be sufficient preparation for students.

During a parliamentary education committee meeting, Cha responded to concerns about a potential surge in private education costs if essay-style assessments are implemented. She argued that the technical skills required for these types of questions can be adequately covered within the public education system. The NEC's special committee on college admission reforms is currently discussing various proposals, including the adoption of essay questions, a shift to absolute grading for all subjects, and an expansion of essay-based assessments in high school coursework. A preliminary plan is expected in October, with the final version to be confirmed in March next year.

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If essay-style evaluations are introduced now, there will be no need to go to cram schools to learn the techniques for writing essays. Simply doing extensive reading should be enough.

However, Cha's assertion that extensive reading alone would suffice drew sharp criticism from some lawmakers. Rep. Lee Ju-young of the Reform Party cautioned against what he termed "complacency," warning that such an approach could jeopardize students' futures for a decade. Cha defended her stance, emphasizing that the NEC is not being complacent and believes public education can prepare students for the technical aspects of essay writing, thereby reducing reliance on private institutions.

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Complacency could hinder our children's progress for the next decade. You shouldn't casually say that 'broad reading is sufficient.'

Addressing concerns about the reliability and fairness of evaluating essay-based exams, Cha proposed the adoption of an AI evaluation system at the national level. She explained that accumulating a vast dataset of model answers from schools nationwide would create an AI system with overwhelming capabilities, making it difficult for the private education sector to compete. The NEC aims to leverage advanced AI technology to ensure objectivity and consistency in grading.

Separately, Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin discussed ongoing negotiations regarding local education funding. He indicated that while primary and secondary education budgets would continue to grow, a portion of unexpected surplus revenue might be allocated to other educational sectors beyond K-12. Discussions are also underway to establish a "future response fund" for education, with the Ministry of Education developing proposals on its scale and allocation.

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It's absolutely not complacency. If the introduction of essay-style evaluations is reported, interest tends to focus on cram schools. My point is that there's no need to focus on cram schools for the technical aspects of essay writing, as public education is preparing for it.