Korean families face soaring private education costs in 2025
Korean families are spending more than ever on private education, with costs climbing for the fourth year in a row. In 2024 alone, families spent around 29.2 trillion won (about $20.2 billion) on extra lessons and tutoring. This surge reflects a broader trend, as education expenses now take up a larger share of monthly budgets than before.
Over the past decade, spending on private education has jumped by over 60 percent. The rise is partly driven by higher hagwon fees and more disposable income in dual-earner families. Elementary school students have seen the biggest increase, with education costs soaring by 74.1 percent.
Middle and high school students have also contributed to the upward trend. Spending on their education rose by 40.7 percent and 60.5 percent respectively. By the third quarter of 2025, families with at least two unmarried children were paying an average of 611,000 won per month on private lessons. The financial burden has grown steadily, with private education now accounting for 12.6 percent of monthly household spending. In the second quarter of 2025, this figure hit a record high of 13.5 percent of total income. Across all household types, general education spending averaged 19 euros per month, though exact figures for specific groups remain unclear.
The steady increase in private education costs highlights its growing importance in Korean family budgets. With spending reaching new highs, the trend suggests a long-term shift in how households allocate their income. The data also points to rising demand for extra academic support across all school levels.
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