School Life Comparison
Night study sessions vs club activity culture
Korean high school students' daily lives revolve around college entrance exams. Students arrive at 7:30 AM, attend mandatory night study sessions (yaja), and many go to cram schools until after 10 PM. The CSAT exam is seen as life-determining.
Japanese high school students typically participate in bukatsu (club activities) after class. Through sports and cultural clubs, they develop teamwork and perseverance. College entrance exams are important but not as extreme as in Korea.
Korea mandates school uniforms with strict hair regulations, while Japan also has a strong uniform culture but more schools are allowing casual clothes recently.
Key Differences
Korea: night study & cram school / Japan: club activities
Korea: CSAT = life / Japan: diverse admission methods
Korea: separate middle & high (3+3) / Japan: middle 3 + high 3