Korean grading systems can vary slightly depending on the institution and the level of education, but they generally follow a pattern similar to the following:
Middle School Grading System in Korea
Elementary and middle schools in Korea use a percentage system grading which is then translated into letter grades. This is also called the Soo-Woo-Mi-Yang-Ga grading system.
You can use the School Grade Calculator if you need to calculate your school grade based on your specific grading system.
High School Grading System in Korea
Korean high school students' grades are determined by their relative position within the class using the below rank-based grading system:
If you need to calculate high school grades, use the High School Grade Calculator after adjusting the grading system to align with your institution's standards.
University Grading System in Korea
Korean universities mostly use a GPA scale ranging from 0.0 to 4.5 or sometimes 4.3. Here’s how:
4.5 Scale
The 4.5 scale is commonly used in Korean universities and is designed to provide a clear differentiation between various levels of academic performance. The scale is as follows:
4.3 Scale
The 4.3 scale is another system used by some Korean universities and has slightly different grade boundaries compared to the 4.5 scale:
Conclusion
The grading system in Korea is multilayered and shows that the country values academic excellence. In elementary school, a direct percentage-based system guarantees a clear understanding of students’ performance with a pass mark of 60%. Conversely, high schools employ a rank-based competitive grading system where students are evaluated with other students. At tertiary institutions, grading is based on a GPA scale which usually ranges from 0.0 to 4.5 while the cut-off point also hovers around 60%. Overall, each level of education in Korea emphasizes strict quality assurance measures and healthy competition among students for academic achievement.