$800 a Month to Learn ABCs? Inside Korea’s Wild English Kindergartens

“$800 a month to learn ABCs?”
In Korea, that’s not shocking at all. Welcome to the world of English kindergartens — a common yet intense part of Korean early childhood education.



What Are English Kindergartens in Korea?

These kindergartens aren’t just about learning a few English words. They’re full immersion programs, often run entirely in English from morning to afternoon. Native-speaking teachers lead classes, playtime, mealtimes, and even nap time — all in English. It’s like sending your kid to a mini international school… inside Korea.


How Much Do They Cost?

On average, over ₩1 million per month (around $800). Some elite kindergartens charge even more — and that’s not including extra fees like admission, textbooks, transportation, and after-school programs.


Is It Worth It?

Let’s be honest. ₩1 million is a lot of money in Korea. For some people, that’s what they might earn from a month of part-time work. Yet many parents still make the financial stretch to enroll their kids. Why? Because they’re afraid their child might fall behind.

There’s this unspoken pressure: “What if my kid’s the only one who doesn’t speak English?” “What if I regret not starting early?”
That’s why so many Korean parents, even if it’s financially difficult, end up choosing English kindergartens — sometimes just for peace of mind.


My Personal Choice as a Parent

My son is six years old, and yes — I do hope he learns English well. But paying ₩1 million every month for a kindergarten just doesn’t feel realistic. I’m not even sure it’s worth the money.

Instead, I send him to an English class once a week.
It costs about ₩100,000 to ₩120,000 a month (around $80–$90), and it’s very play-based. No memorizing vocabulary or grammar drills. They go to parks to observe insects, do science experiments, play soccer in English, and even shop at real supermarkets. It’s more about exposure and reducing fear of English — not forcing it.

If he shows real interest later, I’ll invest more. But I don’t want to push it just because everyone else is doing it.


Is There a Bubble?

I don’t think English kindergartens are all bad. Some kids really benefit from them. But when so many parents stretch beyond their limits for programs with unclear long-term results...
Yeah — I do think there’s a bubble.


What Really Matters

At the end of the day, I believe what really matters is this:
Does the child learn to enjoy English?

Whether it’s through a fancy kindergarten, a weekly class, or just cartoons at home — that joyful experience might be the best investment of all.

If you're curious about how far this trend goes...

👉 Did you know Korea has not only English kindergartens, but also dog kindergartens?
Check out how Korean dogs go to school too

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