Unveiling Joseon’s Hellish Exam System: The Truth Behind Educational Fervor

Joseon’s Hellish Exam System and the Truth of Educational Fervor

A recent book titled “조선, 시험지옥에 빠지다” sheds light on the hidden aspects of the education system in Joseon. The system, which went beyond simple exams, served as a pillar for nurturing and selecting talents in the society. It symbolized the educational fervor and competition of Joseon, revealing a complex reality intertwined with desires that are not so different from today.

The Activation of the Private Education Market and Parental Efforts

The author, 이한, explains in the book how the private education market thrived during the Joseon era. At that time, there was a thriving market for private tutors, and many parents went to great lengths to obtain information about their children’s exams. These efforts were considered essential for securing a successful future for their children.

Misconduct and Social Issues

The book also delves into the extraordinary misconduct that occurred during the exam process in Joseon. Various forms of cheating were attempted in the examination halls, and the issue of favoritism and punishment was recognized as a social problem even back then. This serves as a stark example of how intense the competition in education was during that time.

The Historical Background of the Past System

Author 이한 analyzes the education system of Joseon by referring not only to official records like “조선왕조실록” but also personal writings such as letters from 이황 and the writings of 정약용. Through these diverse sources, it is revealed that academies played a significant role in Joseon society, and influential families sought renowned scholars as private tutors with great enthusiasm.

Educational Officials and Societal Expectations

The people of Joseon believed in pushing their children to study hard, whispering, “If you work hard now, you can live an easy life in the future.” This emphasizes the point that education officials in that era studied with the goal of achieving success. It was a time when competition was fierce to pass the exams and rise to high-ranking positions, enjoying wealth, honor, and power.

Similarities with Modern Education

Author 이한 mentions that the educational fervor in Joseon bears similarities to the modern education environment. Just as the educational officials of the past scoffed at proper values such as morality and justice, similar situations are being played out in the present. This highlights the close connection between education and social status.

The Legacy of Joseon Education

The past system in Joseon, which went beyond simple exams, played a crucial role in shaping the structure and values of the society. The educational fervor, the thriving private education market, misconduct, and more, all revealed the complexity of the society at that time and continue to influence the present day. The book “조선, 시험지옥에 빠지다” provides readers with an opportunity to deeply understand the hidden aspects of education in Joseon.

Implications for Modern Korean Education

This book will serve as an important resource for exploring the development of the education system in Joseon and its impact on modern Korean education. By understanding the connection between the past education fervor and the current education environment, we can gain insights for building a better education system. It is a valuable material for understanding the history of education in Joseon and its relevance to the present day.

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