South Korea University Admissions Brief — 2026-05-23
High school seniors' science inquiry enrollment has dropped to 22%, the lowest since integrated college entrance exams began, as students increasingly avoid science-track subjects. President Lee Jae-myung has signaled opposition to the Education Ministry's proposed college admissions overhaul set to apply from current elementary 6th graders and middle 1st graders onward, creating a noticeable gap with Education Minister Choi Kyou-jin. With the June mock exam (June 4) coming up to prepare for 2027 college admissions, test preparation experts are urging careful analysis of how the influx of repeat test-takers will shift the test-taking population.
South Korea University Admissions Brief — 2026-05-23
Major Education Policy and Admissions Changes
1. Science Inquiry Applications Hit 22% — Lowest Since Integrated College Entrance System
The trend of high school seniors avoiding science-track subjects is becoming more pronounced. As universities expand acceptance of social studies inquiry and probability & statistics in natural science programs, the selection rates for science inquiry and calculus/geometry have fallen to their lowest levels since the integrated college entrance exam system began. This runs counter to the government's emphasis on nurturing semiconductor and AI talent, raising concerns about potential controversy.
2. President and Education Minister Show Different Positions on Admissions Overhaul
President Lee Jae-myung has sent a negative signal regarding discussions to revamp college admissions systems starting from current elementary 6th or middle 1st graders. This represents a noticeable gap with the direction Education Minister Choi Kyou-jin is pushing. The divergence is expected to influence the pace and direction of future admissions reform discussions.
3. Education Ministry Announces 'One Year of Education Achievements' — Kindergarten Fees Down 41%
According to the Education Ministry's announcement of "one year of education sector achievements," kindergarten fees have dropped 41% in just one year. The ministry attributed this to expanded free childcare, noting increases of 380,000 infants in morning childcare programs and 108,000 elementary students in after-school care.
4. Education Ministry to Release Field Trip Safety Guidelines by End of May
The Education Ministry announced it is coordinating with related agencies to exempt teachers from liability in school field trip accidents unless they involve gross negligence. An updated operational improvement plan for field trips is set to be released by month's end, with key issues including strengthened teacher liability exemptions and whether to adopt a national lawsuit responsibility system — issues that teacher organizations have been demanding.
College Admissions Strategy and Analysis
1. June Mock Exam and Repeat Test-Taker Influx — Analyzing Demographic Shifts More Crucial Than Raw Scores
The June mock exam for 2027 college entrance exam preparation will be held on June 4th, administered by the Korean Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation. The Etoos Education Research Institute emphasizes that "score fluctuations must be interpreted alongside shifts in test-taking demographics and real-world operational capacity." With repeat test-takers entering the June exam in large numbers, experts advise that study and admissions strategy adjustments should rely more on mock exam indicators than simple score comparisons.
2. Seoul National University Updates 2027 Admissions Guidelines
The Seoul National University Admissions Office announced updates to its "2027 Admissions Procedures Announcement" in accordance with the Korean Council for University Education's recommendations regarding performance evaluation notification for the College of Fine Arts, College of Education's Physical Education program, and College of Music. Test-takers must review the updated details through the Seoul National University Admissions Office website.
3. College Admissions Information Portal (Adiga) Provides 2028 University Admissions Plan Collection
The college admissions information portal Adiga (adiga.kr) offers a 2028 University Admissions Plan Collection alongside various resources including 2027 regional doctor selection program guidance. Given that 2028 admissions will see wholesale reorganization of university admissions systems due to the 2022 revised curriculum and the introduction of the integrated college entrance exam format, early identification of changes through these materials is critical.
High School and Learning Information
1. Declining Science Inquiry and Calculus Selection — Middle School Students Need to Reconsider Subject Strategies Now
With science inquiry and calculus/geometry selection rates at their lowest since integrated college entrance exams began, middle school students aiming for engineering or science majors should carefully plan their high school subject selections before enrollment. While more universities now accept social studies inquiry for natural science programs, top-tier engineering departments still typically require science inquiry and calculus completion, so prospective students must check admission requirements of target universities in advance.
2. Seoul Career and Admissions Information Center Provides 2027 Admissions Plan Guidance by University
The Seoul Career and Admissions Information Center provides each university's 2027 admissions plan on its website, with clickable university names linking to their respective homepages. Test-takers are strongly advised to verify detailed recruitment guidelines on each university's official website.
3. EBS Provides 2026 and 2027 University Admissions Plans Online
The EBS admissions information page offers 2026 and 2027 university admissions plans online, noting that supplementary admissions applications become available starting February 19, 2027 (Friday) at 9:00 AM.
Next Week's Admissions Schedule and Summary
| Date | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| June 4, 2026 (Wednesday) | June Mock Exam for 2027 College Entrance Exam Preparation (Korean Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation) | |
| End of May 2026 (Expected) | Education Ministry Field Trip Operations Improvement Plan announcement (including teacher liability scope) | |
| Ongoing verification recommended | Seoul National University 2027 Admissions Procedures updated version (fine arts, physical education, and music performance evaluations) |
Editor's Note: All information in this briefing is based on materials released after May 21, 2026. Test-takers should verify detailed admissions procedures through each university's official website and the college admissions information portal (Adiga).
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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