Compared to the U.S., Korea’s school year starts in March, not fall. It often begins after Lunar New Year and Korea’s Independence Movement Day (March 1). That makes early spring the true “back to school” season for students across the country.
From there, summer break usually starts in mid to late July. School resumes mid to late August, often just after Korean Liberation Day (August 15). Winter break is slightly longer, typically running from late December or early January through mid-February or early March.
Each year, KKOOM helps children’s homes and youth in Korea’s social welfare system prepare for the new school year. That means providing funds for essentials like backpacks, supplies, and uniforms, helping students start the year on equal footing.
How Long Is School Break in Korea?
So how much break do Korean students actually get? It often depends on the grade level, with final decisions on exact dates made locally by each region’s Office of Education.
Elementary School
Grades 1–6
- Summer break: about 4 to 6 weeks
- Winter break: about 5 to 6 weeks
Middle School
Grades 1–3 (equivalent to U.S. grades 7–9)
- Summer break: about 3 to 4 weeks
- Winter break: about 5 to 6 weeks
High School
Grades 1–3 (equivalent to U.S. grades 10–12)
Compared to elementary and middle school, high school breaks are similar in length on paper. In practice, they’re much shorter. Many students attend supplementary classes throughout their vacation, especially 3rd-year students preparing for the “Suneung,” Korea’s college entrance exam. For many high schoolers, break is a break in name only.
Closing the Education Gap
Many youth in Korea’s social welfare system forgo higher education due to financial burdens. Private academies, known as hagwons, are widely attended by those who can afford them. That widens the education gap even further. Our Hagwon Scholarship Program helps children’s homes enroll students, ensuring they receive the extra support they need to succeed.
Learn More: Closing the Education Gap One Student at a Time
Scholarships for Youth Who Have Aged-Out of Care
On a case-by-case basis, KKOOM also supports youth who have aged out of care pursue higher education. Our KKOOM U.S. Scholar, Taehyeon, is a recent graduate of Baruch College’s Finance program in New York City. Having grown up at one of KKOOM’s supported children’s homes, Taehyeon knows firsthand the importance of financial stability and support.
"My dream is to become a successful financial professional who not only contributes to the global economy, but also gives back to underserved communities."
Scholarship funds from KKOOM helped Taehyeon cover his living expenses so he could focus on his studies and pursue his long-term goal. With dreams of a career in investment banking, he hopes to one day give back by creating financial education opportunities for underserved youth.
Stories like Taehyeon’s start with the basics: a backpack, a uniform, a chance to start the school year ready.
Other Ways KKOOM Supports Education
Scholarships are just one piece. KKOOM also supports students through camps and workshops throughout the year. Our STEAM and English workshops offer another way for students to keep learning outside the classroom through hands-on, exploratory learning. In a recent workshop, students explored space themes through heroes like Katherine Johnson, and fun activities like gummy bear astronauts and secret codes.
Each month, KKOOM also recognizes students who excel academically and show leadership through our Student of the Month program. Nominated by their house mothers, these students are celebrated with a special group activity and meal.
House mothers often say it’s one of the most meaningful programs KKOOM offers. It helps students stay motivated and shine, whether they’re doing well at home, helping with chores, or supporting younger students. It’s a way to celebrate wins big and small.
How Can You Support Korean Youth This Back-to-School Season?
Each March, we ask the children’s homes what their students need most heading into the new school year. This past March, house mothers shared that many students needed help purchasing backpacks and school supplies. Two students entering high school also needed uniforms, which are mandatory at most Korean schools and a costly expense for children’s homes to cover. Another home requested playroom equipment to support a safe and engaging environment for the infants and toddlers who arrived last year.
Thanks to your support, we raised over $3,000 this past March to help meet these needs. That included funding a newly outfitted playroom, one our Executive Director had the chance to tour firsthand, filled with toys that support early childhood development and learning.
This fall as our annual fiscal year (September-October) comes to a close, we are making one final fundraising push. Look out for announcements on our September Back-to-School Fundraiser on Instagram and Facebook in the coming weeks.
Until then, we welcome donations to help support KKOOM programming like our STEAM/English workshops, hagwon scholarship, and Girls’ Empowerment and Mentorship (GEM) Program.