Teachers' Reluctance Towards Field Trips Highlights Safety and Liability Concerns in South Korean Schools

Hankyoreh sheds light on a deeply concerning divide in South Korea's education sector regarding field trips. A survey conducted at an elementary school in Gyeonggi Province starkly illustrates the chasm between students, parents, and teachers on the issue of experiential learning outside the classroom.

The survey results—65% of students and 47% of parents supporting field trips versus a mere 3% of teachers—underscore a profound reluctance among educators. This hesitancy stems from the persistent fear of safety accidents and the heavy burden of legal and personal responsibility that teachers feel they bear. Despite legislative changes aimed at shielding educators from undue liability in cases of unintentional accidents, the practical reality for teachers remains daunting.

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Even though the law has changed, the structure remains the same where teachers have to provide explanations and appear in court if an accident occurs.

The article points to a tragic accident in 2022, where a teacher faced legal repercussions after a student's death during a field trip, as a pivotal moment that intensified this fear. While alternative 'in-school' programs are favored by teachers, parents often desire more frequent external excursions. This ongoing tension highlights the critical need for a more robust, systemic approach to managing the risks associated with field trips, shifting the burden from individual teachers to a more comprehensive institutional or governmental support system. The differing viewpoints reflect not just logistical challenges but also fundamental disagreements about the nature and safety of educational experiences in South Korea.

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I will not hold teachers responsible for accidents.