Hagwons in Séoul, Korea

We start the day working on a story about Hagwons. Hagwons are private schools in Korea. 80% of children go to these schools after regular school and therefore have very long days. The girl we followed got home at 21:30. It was an exceptional day, but the rhythm is still very difficult.

The reception at the IP Boutique Hotel.

On one hand, the debate is whether children should have time to play, in other words, time to create, to be children. Or should they study hard to get that extra competitive edge to succeed in life. On the other hand, the debate goes further saying that the Hagwon system is harming the public school system in that students are bored (or tired?) in regular school because they already covered the subjects in Hagwons. It is such a sensitive subject here that after trying with 6-7 Hagwons, no director wants to give us an interview.

My room on the 10th floor.

Parents are the force behind insisting their children get the best education possible, but it seems it is a question of "a time for everything". 11 and 12 year olds studying 12 hours a day can't be all that good for their overall development. But, extra study can help those with weaknesses and interest those with particular talents.


Tomorrow we start the report on Design Week, with the idea of how to make a mega city like Seoul and others more human, more liveable. Already our hotel is very design!!