The government is launching a thorough investigation into English kindergartens due to their high tuition fees becoming a problem. Although these institutions operate like kindergartens, they are officially classified as English “academies.” Consequently, they are in a management blind spot as it is tough to regulate the curriculum or fees. Reporter Jang Seul-gi covered the story and asked a well-known English kindergarten regarding monthly tuition fees. The cost is 1.65 million won, excluding textbooks, for a seat. Unfortunately, despite the high price, seats are scarce. There has been a 44% increase, with 811 so-called “English kindergartens” throughout the country. These establishments are often called kindergartens, but in reality, they are English academies catering to toddlers. Over half of English kindergartens in the country charge more than 1 million won in tuition fees per month, with the most expensive being 3.1 million won per month and 37 million won per year. This is five times the average private university tuition. The Ministry of Education has instructed the national education offices to conduct a special audit of all English kindergartens to uncover illicit activities such as charging excessive tuition fees through expedient methods or hiring unqualified foreign instructors. To enhance public education and prevent harm to students and parents, academies committing unlawful and unethical practices must be subjected to inspections, guidance, and crackdowns, said Deputy Minister of Education Jang Sang-yoon. In the case of teaching fees, the Ministry of Education plans to ensure they do not exceed the amount outlined by the “Hakwon Tuition Adjustment Committee.” The Gangnam Seocho Education Office mandates that foreign language tuition for infants should not cost over 266 won per minute, with violators being punished. The Ministry of Education has emphasized that although English academies are legal, they must operate like proper kindergartens or daycare centers and do away with false, overhyped . The report was narrated by Jang Seul-gi of MBC News. Video editing was carried out by Jung Sun-woo.
◀ Anchor ▶
The government is launching a full investigation into English kindergartens, which are becoming a problem due to high tuition fees.
Although it operates like a kindergarten, it is actually an English “academy.”
As a result, it has been pointed out that it is in the blind spot of management because it is difficult to sanction the curriculum or school fees.
Reporter Jang Seul-gi covered the story.
◀ Report ▶
I asked a famous English kindergarten for a month’s tuition.
[영어 유치원 관계자]
″<교습비가 어느 정도 되는지 좀 여쭤볼 수 있을까 해서요?> 1.65 million won (monthly) excluding textbooks. But at the age of 5 (class), there are actually no seats.”
The price is expensive, but it’s hard to find empty seats.
There are 811 so-called ‘English kindergartens’ nationwide, a 44% increase in 5 years.
It is often called a kindergarten, but in reality it is an ‘English academy’ for toddlers.
More than half of English kindergartens nationwide receive over 1 million won in tuition fees per month, with the most expensive being 3.1 million won a month and 37 million won a year.
That’s five times the average private university tuition.
The Ministry of Education requested the national education offices to conduct a special inspection of all English kindergartens.
It is said that they will investigate illegal activities such as receiving high tuition fees through expedient methods or hiring unqualified foreign instructors.
[장상윤/교육부 차관]
″In order to strengthen public education and prevent damage to students and parents, it is necessary to strictly inspect, guide and crack down on academies that commit illegal and illegal acts.″
In particular, in the case of teaching fees, we decided to check whether they exceed the amount stipulated by the ‘Hakwon Tuition Adjustment Committee’.
According to the standards of the Gangnam Seocho Office of Education, foreign language tuition for infants is stipulated not to exceed 266 won per minute. It is to be judged and punished.
The Ministry of Education also emphasized that even though it is a legal “English academy,” it will operate like a formal kindergarten or daycare center, and will intensively crack down on false or exaggerated advertisements.
This is Jang Seul-gi from MBC News.
Video editing: Jeong Seon-woo
In conclusion, the government’s investigation into English kindergartens and their high tuition fees is much needed. With the increase in the number of so-called “English academies” operating under the guise of kindergartens, it has become difficult to manage and regulate their curriculum and fees. The Ministry of Education’s emphasis on cracking down on illegal activities and false is a step in the right direction towards ensuring that children receive a fair and quality education without burdening parents with exorbitant fees. Let us hope that the investigation yields positive results and brings regarding necessary changes for the betterment of the education system.
