Notes on Peace and Prosperity on the Korean Peninsula Conference

Introduction

• Session focused on North Korean education reform trends during the Kim Jong-un era.
• Speaker: Sang Jin Ahn from Korea Educational Development Institute (KEDI).
• Event: Korea Global Forum for Peace 2020.
• Acknowledgments to the Ministry of Unification and participants.

Context of the Discussion

• Current dramatic changes due to:
  • COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Transition to a hyper-connected digital society.
• Discussion on peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula as a mission.
• Importance of education in contributing to peace.

Presentation Overview

• Two main presenters, Dr. Chi Su Kim and Dr. Chong Cho.
• Three discussants, including professors and researchers from various institutions.
• Examination of North Korean education reform as reflective of societal and economic needs.

Key Points from Dr. Chi Su Kim's Presentation

North Korean Society and Education

• Questioning the perception of North Korea as a stagnant society; evidence of change.
• North Korea's education system has undergone four phases:
  1. 1945-1958: Coexistence of planned and market economies.
  2. 1958-1994: Planned economy predominated.
  3. 1994-Present: Market economy began to expand, particularly under Kim Jong-un.

Education System Changes

• Shift from a 4-6 year system to a 5-year elementary and 3-year middle/upper secondary education system.
• New curriculum focused on science and technology, with a goal of becoming a strong socialist nation.
• Major changes include:
  • Increased emphasis on scientific literacy.
  • Curriculum revisions to include more experimental learning.
  • Improvement of teacher policies and training.
  • Introduction of distance education.
• Teacher's Act and Educational Doctrine Execution Act established.

Infrastructure and Facilities

• Introduction of multifunctional classrooms and improvements in educational materials.
• Rise in information and technology education, including English language offerings and STEM.
• Use of national intranet due to lack of internet access in rural areas.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Urban vs. rural disparities in educational access and quality.
• Teachers now being prioritized for their expertise over ideological roles.
• Increased computer usage among North Korean youth.
• Potential for international educational exchange and cooperation.

Key Points from Dr. Chong Cho's Presentation

Higher Education Reform

• North Korea's government defines current era as an era of knowledge economy.
• Emphasis on nurturing competitive talent in line with global educational trends.
• Major changes include:
  • Restructuring of universities and colleges for better educational outcomes.
  • Introduction of distance education, improving accessibility to higher education.
  • Development of practical and academic university types.

Curriculum and Quality Improvement

• Curriculum specialization based on university types.
• Enhanced focus on science and technology education.
• Integration of modern technologies in teaching methods.

Discussion Insights

Comments from Dr. Ji Hey Kim

• Emphasis on the role of education in shaping societal change.
• Notable differences between Kim Jong-un's educational goals and previous regimes.
• Need for empirical evidence on the reform's impact on student experiences.

Comments from Professor Kusab Kang

• North Korea's need to change perceptions and improve its image through education.
• Emphasis on the importance of international exchanges and research collaboration.
• Suggestions for improving access to information about North Korean education.

Comments from Dr. Hojekang

• Importance of technological education and the establishment of new types of schools.
• Discussion about the role of innovation in North Korean education.

Conclusion

• Emphasized need for ongoing research and dialogues regarding North Korean education.
• Recognition of the challenges in acquiring reliable information about North Korean educational reforms.
• Acknowledgment of the importance of cooperation and peer learning in education for peace and prosperity.