Education in North Korea

Mangyondae Schoolchildrens Palace in Pyongyang 04

Practising a torch march on Kim il-sung square 04

DPRK Primary School

North Korea-Pyongyang-Computer class at a school-01

Kim Il-sung University

Laika ac Grand People's Study House (7968604172)

Education in North Korea is a state-controlled system, which plays a significant role in the country's ideology and social control. The North Korean government emphasizes the importance of education, which is compulsory and free for 11 years, from the age of 5 to 16. The education system in North Korea is designed to instill loyalty to the leader and the Workers' Party of Korea, alongside providing basic to advanced knowledge and skills.

Overview

The North Korean education system is divided into three main levels: primary education (Elementary school), secondary education (divided into Middle school and High school), and higher education (University and colleges). The curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, with a strong emphasis on political education, history (particularly the history of the revolution and the leadership), mathematics, science, and foreign languages, although the latter is limited mainly to the study of English and Russian.

Primary Education

Primary education in North Korea, also known as the "People's School," lasts for four years. It covers basic literacy and numeracy skills, along with introductory political education, Korean language and literature, mathematics, and basic science.

Secondary Education

Secondary education is divided into two stages: the first stage is the "Junior Middle School" (or lower secondary education) lasting three years, and the second stage is the "Senior Middle School" (or upper secondary education) lasting three years. This level of education builds on the foundation laid in primary education, with increased focus on political indoctrination, advanced mathematics, science, and technical and vocational education.

Higher Education

Higher education in North Korea includes universities, colleges, and professional schools. The most prestigious institution is Kim Il-sung University, which offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Admission to higher education institutions is highly competitive and is based on the students' academic performance, political background, and loyalty to the party and state.

Political Education

A significant aspect of the North Korean education system is its focus on political indoctrination. Students are taught the ideologies of Juche (self-reliance) and the revolutionary histories of the founding leader, Kim Il-sung, his son Kim Jong-il, and the current leader, Kim Jong-un. The curriculum is designed to foster absolute loyalty to the regime and its leaders.

Challenges

Despite the government's claims of a high literacy rate and educational standards, the North Korean education system faces several challenges, including limited resources, outdated teaching methods, and a curriculum heavily focused on political ideology rather than critical thinking or practical skills. The isolation of North Korea also means that the education system is cut off from international educational standards and practices.

Conclusion

Education in North Korea serves not only as a means of providing knowledge and skills but also as a tool for ideological indoctrination and social control. The system reflects the country's political and social priorities, with a strong emphasis on loyalty to the regime and its leaders.