This research examined the rise of the modern concept of time in the West and its eventual introduction to Korea. Relevant literature and materials, covering the modern enlightenment era when then the concept was introduced, were analyzed in order to examine how the modern concept of time has influenced the development of schools of today. The research findings are as follows. The modern concept of time, which emphasizes accuracy and strict observance of time, came into existence with the introduction of clock time under industrialism. It influenced all aspects of society, including the development of modern school, which came to embody the time logic of industrialism. The necessity of childhood discipline arose in order to meet the demand for disciplined workers, and to instill the importance of strict observance of time, a school day became systematically divided into periods. Each period was reserved for a particular subject, and students were further divided according to their age and grade. Therefore the school served an important function in the industrial society by teaching students the importance of time discipline both in and out of school. However, now in the 21st century, we need to examine whether this model of time discipline is still valid.