Humans of Korea

Tag: news

  • What Does It Mean to Be a Student in Daechi-dong?

    What Does It Mean to Be a Student in Daechi-dong?

    Juyeon is a Grade 11 student living in Daechi-dong, an area widely known for its concentration of private academies. She has lived her entire life in Korea and has attended only Korean public schools, while spending most of her evenings and weekends at hagwons preparing for major exams. As a humanities track student, she feels strong pressure to perform well academically, since university name plays a major role in future opportunities. Her daily routine reflects the reality of many Korean students growing up in an exam focused education system shaped by competition, financial gaps, and social expectations. Through her experience, Juyeon offers insight into student life inside one of Korea’s most academically intense environments.

    What does a typical weekday look like for you as a student in Daechi-dong?

    Juyeon: On weekdays, I wake up early for school and spend the whole day in classes. As soon as school ends, I head straight to academies. I attend different hagwons for Korean, English, and social studies, and I usually get home close to midnight. Even after that, I feel pressure to review what I studied or plan the next day. There is barely any time to rest, and studying shapes almost everything in my daily life.

    대치동 학원가 | 강남구청 > 강남소식 > 아카이브강남 > 사진아카이브

    How does studying in Daechi-dong affect the way you see school and learning?

    Juyeon: Being in Daechi-dong makes learning feel competitive all the time. You are surrounded by students who study longer hours or attend more academies, so it is hard not to compare yourself. Sometimes learning feels less about interest and more about surviving the system. I still enjoy certain subjects, but the focus on scores and rankings makes it difficult to fully enjoy learning.

    What do you think about the exam and academy centered study culture in Korea?

    Juyeon: I think this culture pushes students to work extremely hard, but it also creates constant pressure. Studying becomes something you have to do rather than something you want to do. While the system can produce strong academic results, it does not leave much space for students to rest, explore interests, or think about who they are outside of grades. I believe education should support growth in more balanced ways, not just prepare students for exams.

    책꽂이] 학벌주의가 낳은 '기이한 아수라장' 대치동의 민낯 | 서울경제

    Juyeon’s story reflects the reality of student life in Daechi-dong, where long study hours, competition, and expectations shape everyday routines. Her experience shows how Korean students balance public school, private academies, and social pressure in an environment where academic performance carries heavy weight. At the same time, her reflections reveal the emotional strain of growing up in an exam centered system. Through her perspective, we gain a clearer understanding of how education and culture shape student life in Korea, and how young people continue to search for direction while studying under constant pressure.

  • The Pressure and Promise of the CSAT

    The Pressure and Promise of the CSAT

    Daeun is a senior in Korea who recently took the 2026 CSAT (수능). She has lived her whole life in Korea and attended only Korean public schools. As a 문과 (humanities) student, her university choice is extremely important, shaping both her academic path and future opportunities. Her experience reflects the pressures of Korean public school life, where success is often measured by test scores and admission to top universities. Daeun’s story gives insight into student life in Korea, the role of societal expectations in shaping educational paths, and how young people make decisions about their futures in a highly competitive environment.


    Can you describe how you felt while preparing for the 2026 CSAT and on the day of the exam?

    Daeun: Preparing for the CSAT was exhausting but also intense in a way that taught me a lot about discipline and time management. I had to balance school classes, private academy sessions, and self-study, which sometimes felt overwhelming. On the day of the exam, I felt a mix of nervousness, anticipation, and relief because all the preparation led up to that moment. Even after finishing, there was still a lingering pressure to achieve a high score, since it plays such a big role in university admissions and in how society views success.

    What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a humanities student in Korea’s education system?

    Daeun: One of the hardest things was feeling like the university name defined my entire future. For humanities students, especially, there is so much emphasis on entering a top school, and it often feels like our worth is measured by that. I also noticed how money can affect opportunities. Some students can afford extra academies or tutoring, which makes competition even more stressful. In addition, keeping up with both schoolwork and preparing for the CSAT while managing stress and sleep felt like a constant balancing act.

    Have you thought about retaking the exam or exploring other options to improve your chances for university?

    Daeun: Yes, it’s something I’ve seriously considered. A lot of students who want a more prestigious university think about retaking the CSAT. For me, I have to weigh the stress, time, and cost against the potential benefits. Being a humanities student, where top university names really matter, makes this decision even more difficult. I also had to think about whether I want to follow society’s expectations or find a path that feels right for me personally.

    This is our school in spring!

    How do societal and cultural pressures in Korea affect students’ experiences and choices?

    Daeun: It’s hard not to feel the pressure. In Korea, there is a strong cultural focus on academic achievement, and many people equate success with getting into a top university. This can make school life stressful because grades and exam scores are often prioritized over learning, creativity, or personal interests. At the same time, I’ve seen how this pressure motivates some students to work incredibly hard, but it can also lead to burnout or self-doubt. It made me realize how different education systems can shape the way students experience growing up.

    Looking back, what lessons or perspectives have you gained from preparing for the CSAT and experiencing student life in Korea?

    Daeun: I’ve realized that education is about more than just exams. Learning to manage stress, seek support from friends and family, and reflect on what matters to me personally has been just as important as studying. I’ve also understood that there are many ways to measure success and that following only what society expects doesn’t always lead to fulfillment. Even in a competitive system, moments like discussing ideas with classmates or sharing tips with friends reminded me that student life also includes learning from each other and building connections, not just focusing on the test.

    Daeun’s experience highlights the real experiences of student life in Korea, where education, culture, and societal expectations are tightly linked. For humanities students, the university name carries significant weight, shaping both personal and academic decisions. Her story reflects the pressures of preparing for the CSAT, balancing schoolwork, and making choices under a highly competitive system. At the same time, it shows that growth comes from learning to manage stress, reflect on personal goals, and value connections with peers. Daeun’s perspective offers a glimpse into how culture and education shape students’ lives and the ways young people adapt and make choices in modern Korean society.