KS's Global Insights into Higher Education

Challenges in South Korea’s Higher Education Reforms South Korea's higher education system is undergoing significant reforms in response to demographic decline, regional disparities, and global competition. The government has introduced initiatives like the Glocal University 30 and the Regional Innovation System and Education (RISE) to restructure institutions, enhance global competitiveness, and address financial instability. However, these reforms have faced strong resistance from students, faculty, and local communities, particularly regarding university mergers. Cases like the proposed integration of Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime and Ocean University, as well as Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation, have sparked student opposition due to concerns over institutional identity and lack of transparency. Emotional and Cultural Resistance to Reform Beyond structural changes, reforms have triggered emotional and cultural tension...

The Impact of South Korea’s Political and Economic Crisis on the Won The declaration of martial law by South Korea’s now-arrested president, Yoon Suk Yeol, led to the won plummeting to its weakest level against the US dollar since the 2009 financial crisis. The won had been steadily depreciating, but the turmoil in December 2024 caused it to surpass 1,474 won per dollar, a 14% increase from the previous year. With South Korea facing political instability and economic challenges, forecasters predict that the won is unlikely to recover soon. This decline could have significant consequences for international higher education, particularly for South Korean students studying in the US, as tuition and living expenses become increasingly unaffordable. Rising Costs and Potential Shift in Study Abroad Destinations The sharp depreciation of the won has made US higher education significantly more expensive for Korean families. At the current exchange rate, annual tuition at a public university, p...

With South Korea’s Constitutional Court preparing to rule on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, university campuses have become battlegrounds for opposing political forces. While pro-impeachment sentiment has been dominant among students, recent weeks have seen a surge in pro-Yoon demonstrations, many of which have been orchestrated with the involvement of external conservative groups and far-right influencers. What began as a series of student-led discussions has evolved into a crisis, as politically motivated agitators force their way onto campuses, disrupting academic life and threatening student safety. Universities have long been centers of political engagement, but the escalating conflict, marked by intimidation, violence, and unauthorized intrusions, raises urgent concerns about the erosion of academic autonomy. Spreading Controversies Across Major Universities The wave of campus protests began in early February when students at Yonsei University held a pro-impeachment ...

In December 2024, South Korea faced significant political instability when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, a decision that was quickly rescinded by the National Assembly amidst widespread opposition. This brief but impactful episode has had lasting repercussions, particularly on the country's higher education sector, which is vital to its international reputation and demographic strategy. The crisis disrupted South Korea's ambitious goal of attracting 300,000 international students by 2027, a cornerstone of its efforts to counteract population decline and workforce shortages. International students, previously drawn to South Korea for its safety and democratic stability, began to reconsider their plans, with some expediting their departures. The situation highlighted vulnerabilities in South Korea's efforts to position itself as a global education hub, undermining recent achievements, such as surpassing 200,000 international students in 2024. The political tur...

In August, controversy erupted over merchandise produced by a university. Items emblazoned with the English phrase, “I am a proud parent of a student at S University”, intended to foster alumni loyalty and raise funds, drew criticism for promoting vanity and “vulgar academic elitism.” The issue escalated to the point where a civic organization filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. In defense, some argued that such practices are commonplace at American universities. Indeed, during a recent visit to the gift shop of the prestigious N University in the Midwest, I observed a wide variety of merchandise catering to members, alumni, and even local residents who proudly identify with the university. On the same day, I saw many community members casually sporting N University merchandise at a college football game, showcasing their connection to the institution. The Premise That Universities Guarantee Life My own college years overlap with the late 1990s and ear...

South Korea's international higher education landscape in 2025 is set to be shaped by a combination of policy-driven strategies and evolving global trends. One prominent trend is the national push towards the “Study Korea 300K” project, which aims to attract 300,000 international students by 2027. It emphasizes structured support systems and strategic engagement with high-demand regions such as Southeast Asia and Central Asia. This initiative aligns with policies like the Digital TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) platform and enhanced scholarship programs under the Global Korea Scholarship.  Such measures aim to bolster Korea's appeal by addressing language barriers, providing digital resources for Korean language acquisition, and increasing opportunities for STEM-related academic pursuits. This focus on inclusivity and academic excellence is likely to position Korea as a more competitive destination for higher education in East Asia, attracting a broader range of students ...

The recent intense conflict between students and the administration at Dongduk Women’s University illustrates this complexity. According to media reports , the issue began when the university administration pushed forward plans to transition to a coeducational system without sufficient prior discussion with students. The situation escalated as students attempted to physically block the initiative, leading to additional disputes over property damage and financial compensation. The opposition, rooted in the argument that allowing male access to a university established to promote women’s education and rights was unacceptable, further intensified the conflict. This incident, like many others, invites a variety of perspectives. Understanding it accurately requires insights from sociology, gender studies, political science, and communication studies. However, I believe that perspectives from higher education administration and international education are equally indispensable. One of the ke...