South Korea’s spectacular economic growth from poverty to affluence has been so dramatic that it has been called the “Miracle on the Han River.” The world’s 10^th largest economy, South Korea is a highly industrialized nation and a leader in global innovation. Its education system is renowned for being one of the top-performing systems in the world. The country consistently ranks among the highest in major international large-scale measures such as the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. The Korean government spends 3.4 percent of GDP on formal schooling, and primary and secondary enrolment rates have been near universal since 1990. However, the country’s success seems to come at the cost of student wellbeing, including distress due to excessive competition and long hours of studying.  

South Korea ranks near the bottom on questions focusing on student happiness in schools in the OECD assessments. In order to deal with these issues of student satisfaction, South Korea has embarked on various school reform projects in order to create a new culture of learning and teaching based on more democratic systems. This program will provide educators with insights into the factors that have enabled excellence in Korean schools, as well as the recent reforms to 

bridge some of the challenges faced. Educators will visit various types of schools in South Korea, ranging from private to public, as well as traditional and modern. Meetings with teachers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the education sector will also provide an overview of innovations being promoted in the field. In addition, teachers will gain experience of local culture through exposure to music, dance, food, and history.