The five-day workweek, now being adopted in industry and our business
communities, will also bring about major changes for educational and cultural
activities in every part of Korean society. Because our education system is tied up
with the social, political and regional environment, it now has to be run in a
more systematic and open way, reflecting the economic changes and
competitiveness demanded by globalization.
As part of government policy, the five-day workweek reconsiders the
competitiveness of our economy, promotes social unification and fosters selfrealization.
To keep up with these changes, the education sector in turn needs to
foster new educational programs and learning environments through a co-operative
system involving education providers, families at home, and the local community.
For example, education policy should focus on the structural improvement of
curricula for a lifelong education system; voluntary study programs on Saturdays;
promoting students self-reliance; and strengthening the co-operation of public,
private and civic-based learning institutions to build up a diverse educational
network, serving self-reliant students who view learning as a lifelong pursuit.
In short, while time spent in the workplace may change, the education
sector has to continue to contribute people with the knowledge demanded by
innovation and social change.