Results of survey on toddler test prep spark skepticism

A sign for an English kindergarten is seen in Seoul’s Gangnam District, March 13. Yonhap

Once reserved for Korea’s grueling civil service exams, the term “gosi” is now used to describe the intense study routines of children as young as 4 to 7.

The term “gosi for 4- and 7-year-olds” reflects the rapid rise of private education in Korea, particularly in English language instruction.

In response to concerns over the intense focus on private education for young children, the Ministry of Education conducted its first nationwide survey of English cram schools, examining the prevalence of preenrollment level testing and early instructional programs. But its finding that only 23 English cram schools nationwide administer preenrollment level tests has drawn skepticism for appearing far removed from reality.

According to the ministry’s report released Thursday, just 23 out of 728 surveyed institutions were found to administer such tests. By region, 11 were in Seoul, nine in Gyeonggi Province and three in Gangwon Province.

In addition, the report indicated that 20 institutions administered level tests to divide students into classes by ability, while only three used them for selective admission.

The ministry recommended that these cram schools replace level tests with counseling or lottery-based admissions. However, because such tests are not illegal, the government cannot impose penalties and its actions are restricted to guidance and recommendations.

Critics point out that the number from the ministry survey appear far too low, given that most well-known cram schools with nationwide branches administer level tests. The ministry’s survey excluded cram schools that conduct tests during the course of instruction, raising questions over the credibility of the findings.

An inspection in 2023, conducted by an education civic group and the office of Rep. Kim Young-ho of the National Assembly’s Education Committee, found that 144 out of 847 English cram schools for preschoolers that operated at least half-day programs, about 17 percent, used preenrollment level tests for student selection. That figure is 48 times higher than the number reported by the education ministry.

Furthermore, parents in Daechi-dong and Mok-dong, often considered the epicenters of private education in Seoul, say that nearly every "English kindergarten," as the cram schools for preschoolers are called, requires a level test. One English academy with branches in 13 regions, including Seoul and Busan, is reportedly taking counseling reservations and administering tests for children aged 5 to 7 through next month.

A child heads to an English kindergarten in Daechi-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, the city’s private education hub, March 13. Newsis

Level tests are drawing heightened concern as they are seen as a key driver of the so-called “gosi for 4- and 7-year-olds” phenomenon, where parents pressure preschoolers into intensive study to gain entry to elite English cram schools.

The issue has escalated beyond excessive private education, even sparking debate over potential child abuse.

The education ministry said it will continue to give administrative guidance in cooperation with regional education offices, urging academies found to conduct preenrollment level tests to switch to alternative admission methods. It also announced plans for inspections of English cram schools that continue to advertise such tests.

In addition, the ministry signaled possible legislative action.

“To curb side effects like the so-called ‘gosi for 7-year-olds,’ we are reviewing possible legislation,” a ministry official said. “A consultative body of early childhood experts and regional education officials will also draw up more effective regulatory measures.”

Earlier, Rep. Kang Kyung-sook of the minor Rebuilding Korea Party introduced a bill to revise the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Private Teaching Institutes, a move that would effectively outlaw English kindergartens.

The bill would ban teaching curricula tied to entrance exams, tests, remedial study or internationalization for children under 36 months, and limit instruction for those older than 36 months to no more than 40 minutes a day.

If enacted, it would effectively shut down the English academies for preschoolers that have fueled Korea’s toddler education craze.