Public Education Fee Reaches 6 Percent of GDP

In 2000, it is estimated that 6.3 percent or $30 billion of the gross domestic product (GDP) will go to public education. This is a 7.7-percent increase from last year's figure of $27.9 billion.
The federal government will pay $17.5 billion and local governments will pay $2.06 billion. The total amount is up 6.8 percent from last year's.
On March 9, the Ministry of Planning and Budget announced that government funds will be used for expanding school facilities for elementary and middle schools.
The portion of public education costs paid by parents, including tuition fees and other school dues, saw a 9.3-percent rise from last year. Including other fees like tutoring costs, the burden to parents is expected to skyrocket.
Despite the increased costs for education, the Ministry of Planning and Budget saw a slip in the rating of the educational environment.
The Ministry is planning to form a special working organization consisting of members from the government, civic groups, parents,and teachers.

by Lee Gye-young