School Grades in South Korea (2024)

FAQs

What is an A+ in Korea? ›

Academic grading in South Korea depends on the type of school in which it is involved in. In university, the grade runs upon a letter-type grade similar to American schools. The letter grades can add up to different numbered averages, from 0.0 to 4.5. The letter system applies to middle school as well.

(1) Honors: For students with an overall GPA of 3.75 or above. (2) Great Honors: For students with an overall GPA of 4.00 or above. (3) Highest Honors: For students with an excellent overall GPA.

- Elementary School is 6 years (ages 6-12) Grades 1-6. - Middle School is 3 years (ages 13-15) Grades 7-9. Culminates in the Certificate of Graduation from Middle School. - High School is 3 years (ages 16-18) Grades 10-12.

“Their education system is very differentiated,” she said. “You have high schools focused on STEM, fine arts, humanities – there are many specialized pathways that the student can choose. They also choose whether they want to take a technical pathway or go to university.”

Primary education in South Korea is compulsory and free. At the age of six, children start primary school near their residence, with automatic progression to the next grade each year. An accelerated grade advancement system was introduced and allows gifted and talented children to skip grades.

In the United States, the standard age for students entering the 7th grade is usually 12 years old. By the end of their 7th-grade year, most students are 13 years old. This age can vary slightly depending on the child's birth date and the cut-off dates for school entry in their specific state or district.

Primary school pupils start at 08:00 and finish around 13:00. Middle and high schoolers stay in school a little longer, from 08:00 to around 16:30. The first 30 minutes at school are for self-studying, during which the teacher checks attendance and takes care of administrative matters. Classes start at 08:30.

Is college free in South Korea? ›

Tuition fees aren't set nor regulated by the government, but schools, even the most prestigious ones, generally charge about the same amount. You can expect to pay between US$5,800 and US$6,500 per semester.

Alcohol. The legal drinking age in Korea is 19 years of age.

In Taiwan and Thailand, a minor is a person under 20 years of age, and, in South Korea, a person under 19 years of age. In New Zealand, the age of majority is also 20 years of age, but most of the rights of adulthood are assumed at lower ages.

The formulas are: if your birthday has passed: Korean age = your age + 1. if your birthday has not passed: Korean age = your age + 2.

Blood Type A

According to the Korean blood type personality chart, it is said that people with blood type A are known to be diplomatic and friendly, however due to their sensitive natures, they prefer staying alone to being in a group; therefore they may feel uncomfortable in crowded areas or parties.

Common examples of grade conversion are: A+ (97–100), A (93–96), A- (90–92), B+ (87–89), B (83–86), B- (80–82), C+ (77–79), C (73–76), C- (70–72), D+ (67–69), D (65–66), D- (below 65).

A+, A, A- indicates excellent performance. B+, B, B- indicates good performance. C+, C, C- indicates satisfactory performance. D+, D, D- indicates less than satisfactory performance.

Traditionally, the grades are A+, A, A−, B+, B, B−, C+, C, C−, D+, D, D− and F, with A+ being the highest and F being lowest.