South Korea Bans Entrance Exams for Preschools

Starting October 1, 2026, private preschools in South Korea will no longer be permitted to hold entrance examinations for young children. The government has already approved these regulatory changes.

The complete ban applies to written and oral tests, practical tasks, interviews, and any other forms of evaluation designed to assess a child's abilities prior to enrollment. An exception is made only for children who have already been admitted; after studies begin, academies may conduct diagnostic observations or chats with pupils, provided they obtain prior parental consent.

Institutions that violate the new rules face monetary fines. A first offense will incur a $735 fine for a private facility, while repeat violations could cost up to $2,000.

Authorities hope these measures will reduce the excessive pressure placed on young children and their families, who feel compelled to prepare for admissions even before starting primary school.

A particularly contentious element of the country's early education system has been the so-called "English-language preschools." Tuition at these institutions is steep and widely viewed as a status symbol, as well as a stepping stone toward an elite academic path that culminates in the Suneung - the crucial university entrance exam that largely determines a person's future career.