Understanding K-Drama: School Life In Korea

Any television depiction of school life is distorted from reality and school life in k-dramas is no exception.

There are plenty of fictional schools in k-dramaland and each of them may be unrealistic in a different way.

At Shinhwa High School in "Boys Over Flowers" there never seems to be any actual teachers and the attractive bullies in F4 are allowed to run rampant. In "The Heirs," the social pecking order at Jeguk High seemed more important than academics. Only a few students were seen doing homework in that drama. And in "School 2013," despite the concerned presence of teachers, every day some students got into expulsion-worthy trouble but were given another chance.

How does this compare with real life education in Korea?

"School 2013" might give a more accurate impression of how important academics and college selection is in Korea and the kind of stress this pressure can create for students.

Academics are very important and Korean students may attend school from 8 a.m. to midnight, not leaving much time for anything else.  After regular school, they attend special lessons to improve their academic performance.

Getting into a good university can affect your future job options anywhere but it's very important in Korea. Students aim for the most prestigious or SKY schools, Seoul National, Korea and Yonsei Universities. Acceptance means a sound employment future for both the child and his or her family, so parents' expectations are high.

High expectations lead to South Korean students being some of the best performing in the world. The Paris-based international think tank, OECD recently released a survey that found Korean students rank far above average in math and reading.

And Korea has the highest recorded rate of high school graduation in developed countries.

But all the importance placed on academic performance does have a downside. In the same OECD study, Korean students were asked if they were happy at school and the results landed them at the bottom of the list for more than sixty countries.

The stress students face preparing for college entrance exams may be a factor in their unhappiness. And the intense competition can sometimes lead to the kind of bullying behavior you see in k-dramas.

In the real world, achieving academic excellence is tough. But in the k-drama world, the pressures of school life make for some great dramas.

There are so many enjoyable dramas that take place in fictional high schools. Besides those we've mentioned, you may want to watch "Dream High," "Shut Up Flower Boy Band," "God of Study," "To The Beautiful You" or "Flower Boy Ramen Shop."

Let us know whether you think any of these schools accurately reflect education in Korea or elsewhere.