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The South Korean education system

6 6 7 In South Korea elementary school education is compulsory and lasts for six years typically starting at the age of 6 or 7 Students learn basic subjects such as Korean mathematics science social studies and physical education

3 12 13 Middle school education in South Korea is also compulsory and lasts for three years Students usually enter middle school at the age of 12 or 13 At this level they continue studying subjects learned in earlier grades and are introduced to additional subjects

3 High school education in South Korea is not compulsory but most students attend and it lasts for three years High schools are divided into general high schools and vocational high schools General schools are usually assigned through a lottery system based on the residential area In the case of special purpose high schools students can gain admission through separate exams Types of special purpose high schools include art high schools science high schools foreign language high schools and specialized vocational education high schools