Children on an outdoor field trip are playing with soap bubbles. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — Most South Korean parents say the trait they most hope to cultivate in their young children is simply becoming “a healthy person,” with honesty ranking as the top core value, according to new research released Wednesday.
The survey, conducted by the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education and published in a report by senior researcher Choi Eun-young, polled 1,500 parents of infants, toddlers and lower-grade elementary school students. Among respondents, 33.1 percent said “being healthy” was the most important quality during early childhood. Mothers expressed this preference more strongly than fathers, as did parents of infants and early-grade students.
The second most desired trait was “living well with others,” cited by 26.1 percent of parents, followed by creativity (17.5 percent), independence (15.1 percent) and emotional richness (8.1 percent).
Nearly one-third of adults consider the ‘education environment’ to be the most crucial factor when purchasing a home. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
When asked to identify the single most important value they hoped to instill, 25.6 percent chose “honesty,” followed by trust (17.9 percent), freedom (13.9 percent) and coexistence (10.2 percent. Wealth ranked low on the list, while power, authority and honor were at the very bottom.
In a rapidly changing society, parents said the capabilities children will need most are self-direction (20 percent), empathy and inclusiveness (16 percent), problem-solving (13.9 percent), communication skills (12.9 percent) and creativity (9.7 percent).
Choi noted that the results reflect a growing social consensus that social-emotional development — including honesty, empathy, self-control and cooperation — forms the foundation of a fulfilling life. She recommended that future early-childhood education and care programs place stronger emphasis on character and emotional development alongside cognitive skills.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
