2026-05-23 South Korea Admissions Briefing: 입시 정보
The percentage of high school seniors taking the Science Exploration test has dropped to an all-time low of 22% under the integrated CSAT system, signaling a growing avoidance of STEM subjects. President Lee Jae-myung has expressed skepticism toward current reform plans for students currently in 6th grade and 1st year of middle school, creating a notable gap with the Minister of Education's stance. With the June 4th mock exam for the 2027 academic year approaching, experts are urging students to analyze shifts in the applicant pool caused by repeat test-takers.
South Korea Admissions Briefing — 2026-05-23
Key Educational Policies and Admission Updates
1. Science Exploration participation hits record low of 22%
Avoidance of STEM subjects among high school seniors is becoming increasingly clear. As more universities allow applicants to natural science programs to opt for Social Studies or Probability and Statistics, the share of students choosing Science Exploration, Calculus, and Geometry has hit its lowest point since the integrated CSAT was introduced. This trend is sparking controversy as it runs counter to the government's push to foster talent in semiconductors and AI.
2. Discrepancy between President and Education Minister on admissions reform
President Lee Jae-myung has voiced skepticism regarding the ongoing discussions on reforming college admissions, which are intended to apply to students currently in 6th grade or 1st year of middle school. This is seen as a shift from the direction being pushed by Minister of Education Choi Gyo-jin and is expected to impact the pace and direction of future reform efforts.
3. Education Ministry reports 1-year progress: Kindergarten fees down 41%
The Ministry of Education announced that kindergarten tuition has decreased by 41% in one year. The ministry attributes this to expanded free childcare, reporting an increase of 380,000 infants and toddlers in morning care and 108,000 in elementary care programs.
4. Teacher immunity for school field trips to be announced end of this month
The Ministry of Education is coordinating with relevant agencies to grant immunity to teachers for safety accidents during field trips, provided there is no gross negligence. A plan to improve field trip operations is expected later this month, with the core issue being the strengthening of immunity and the potential introduction of state-funded litigation defense as requested by teacher unions.
Admissions Strategy and Analysis
1. June Mock Exam: Focus on applicant pool shifts, not just scores
The June Mock Exam for the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), hosted by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, will take place on the 4th of next month. Etoos Education Research Institute emphasized, "One must interpret the shifts in the testing population and practical test-taking skills rather than just looking at the scores." As many repeaters (N-sudaeng) join the June mock exam, experts advise using the data to recalibrate study and admission strategies rather than focusing on raw scores.
2. Seoul National University modifies 2027 admissions plan
The Seoul National University Admissions Office announced an update to its "2027 Undergraduate Admissions Implementation Plan" following recommendations from the Korean Council for University Education regarding practical skill evaluations for the College of Fine Arts, the Department of Physical Education in the College of Education, and the College of Music. Students must check the official SNU admissions website for the updated details.
3. "Adiga" portal provides 2028 admissions plan collection
The admissions information portal "Adiga" (adiga.kr) offers a variety of materials, including a collection of 2028 academic year implementation plans and guides for 2027 regional medical student selection. Since the 2028 admissions cycle will see a total overhaul of university-specific systems due to the 2022 revised curriculum and the integrated CSAT, it is crucial to identify these changes early.
High School Admissions and Learning Info
1. STEM avoidance: Middle schoolers need early subject strategy
With the choice of Science Exploration and Calculus/Geometry at an all-time low, middle schoolers aiming for STEM majors should plan their subject strategies well before entering high school. While more top-tier programs are allowing Social Studies, elite STEM departments often still require Science Exploration and Calculus, so checking the specific requirements of target universities is essential.
2. Seoul Career and Admissions Center provides university-specific plans
The Seoul Career and Admissions Center offers university-specific 2027 implementation plans on its website. Clicking on a university name directs users to that institution's official site. Students are urged to verify full application guidelines directly on university websites.
3. EBS provides 2026-2027 admission plans online
The EBS admissions page provides online access to 2026 and 2027 academic year implementation plans and notes that additional recruitment processes will begin on Friday, February 19, 2027, at 9:00 AM.
Upcoming Schedule and Summary
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| June 4, 2026 (Wed) | June Mock Exam for 2027 CSAT (hosted by KICE) | |
| End of May 2026 | Expected release of Field Trip Operational Improvements (including teacher immunity) | Ministry of Education |
| Check Regularly | Confirm updated 2027 SNU admissions plan (Fine Arts, PE, Music) | Seoul National Univ. |
Editor's Note: All information in this briefing is based on data released after May 21, 2026. Please double-check specific details on official university websites or the "Adiga" portal.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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