[KS] Korean education and literacy during the colonial era

[Khanh Ho]

Hi,

I am writing a treatment of a Korean American writer--Theresa Hak Kyung
Cha--who is a canonical figure in Asian American literature.  My article is
a historical treatment of pedagogy during the colonial era.  I came across
this statistic by a scholar of Korean educational history that I'd like to
use, but I wonder if it is true:

"Less than 5% of Koreans graduated elementary school after the colonial era"
suggesting low levels of literacy.

One scholarly friend tells me that the number is very low, given that 2/3 of
boys and 1/3 of girls were enrolled in elementary schools during the 35 year
colonial period. But given that children are still a small part of the
population, I wonder if this statistic is true.

If you can correct me or enlighten me, I would appreciate it.  If you can
suggest English language sources that I could explore, I would be indebted.

Best,

KH.

Khanh Ho
Assistant Professor
Grinnell College
1213 Sixth Avenue
Grinnell, IA 50112
tel: 641 269 3035
fax: 641 269 4718
hokhanh at grinnell.edu