Oman vs South Korea
Side-by-side comparison of how these places approach childhood.
Oman
Oman went from 3 schools in 1970 to over 1,100 today in one generation.
Sultan Qaboos transformed Oman from near-zero literacy to 95% enrollment in the fastest education expansion in modern history.
South Korea
In South Korea, one exam at age 18 can shape a child's entire educational trajectory.
The Suneung exam is so high-stakes that planes are grounded, police escort latecomers, and the entire nation adjusts its schedule for test day.
Oman
Oman's 10-2 system provides free education through grade 12. The country built its entire education system in 50 years โ from 3 schools in 1970 to over 1,100 today. Arabic is the medium of instruction with English introduced from grade 1.
South Korea
Intensely competitive from elementary school onward. The public school day runs until 3-4 PM, but most students continue at private hagwon academies until 10 PM or later. South Korea spends more on private tutoring per student than any other OECD nation.
Planning a move from Oman to South Korea?
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