In the late 19th century, the government, patriots, and foreign missionaries began to establish schools adopted to contemporary culture. The education in this period focused on the right to education and the social equality of education. 19th century education began with the establishment of the Gwanhaks Dongmunhak (동문학; 同文學) and Youkyoungongwon (육영공원; 育英公院). Dongmunhak served as a training center for translators, and Youkyoungongwon served as a school for the Yangbans. Sahaks established in this period can be divided into two types: Christian schools and civilian schools. In 1894, along with the Gabo Reform, education policy was changed. The Gwageo was replaced with the institution Hakmuahmoon (학무아문; 學務衙門). In July 1894, specialized schools were established and students were assigned by the discretion of the Hakmuahmoon. Around 1894, Gojong of the Korean Empire officially promulgated that modern education should be accepted. Further clarifications and additions to the policy was made in 1895.
Notable Schools
The first civilian school was established on 1883. The school was called Wonsanhaksa (원산학사; 元山學舍). In 1885, Baejaehakdang (배재학당) was established by Henry Appenzeller. It was a secondary school and the goal was to develop Christians and people to work for the government. In 1886, Ewhahakdang (이화학당) was established by M.F. Scranton. It is the first women-only educational institute to be established. In 1886, Gyungshin School (경신학교) was established by H.H. Underwood. The school developed into the present-day Yonsei University. In 1895, Heungha School (흥화학교; 興化學校) was established by Min Yeong-hwan to teach English, Japanese, and surveying techniques. In 1899, Jumjin School was established by An Chang-ho.