European Association of History Educators

Source: The Korea Times, 2nd February 2010

A survey by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security last year found that 56.6 percent of people in their 20s didn't know what year the Korean War broke out.Another study by Korea University found that only 62.9 percent of 218 respondents were able to clearly elaborate on why Dokdo ― or Takeshima as maintained by Japan ― was Korean territory. These "embarrassing" survey results may stem from education policies consistently de-emphasizing national history, especially in high school.

Scholars and history teachers are increasingly voicing their concerns toward policymakers' lack of consideration for history education in high schools.In December 2009, the authorities approved what they called a "future-oriented education curriculum," the essence of which is to reduce subject courses taken in elementary, middle and high schools. Aimed at alleviating the excessive study burden, the measure will go into effect for the 2011 school year.

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