Last year, South Korea's education inflation rate reached its highest point in 15 years, registering a 2.3% increase largely due to raised tuition fees at private universities. According to the National Data Agency's consumer price index by expenditure purpose, this rate was significantly higher than the overall consumer price increase of 2.1%. The average tuition rise among private universities was reported at 4.9%, leading to an average annual tuition of approximately 7.1 million KRW per student, an increase of about 277,000 KRW from the previous year. Furthermore, the report highlights that 70.5% of 193 four-year universities and colleges across the nation increased their tuition fees, which has directly influenced the educational cost index. The significant hike in private university tuition considerably outpaced the minimal 0.7% average increase seen in national and public universities. Meanwhile, the inflation rate for private university fees reached the highest levels observed since 2008, indicative of rising financial burdens on students and their families. Looking ahead, many universities are expected to continue raising tuition fees, amounting to a significant factor in this year’s education inflation. A survey by the Korea Council of University Presidents indicated that 65.8% of 125 surveyed universities planned to increase tuition fees, with some institutions proposing hikes greater than 3%. Additionally, expenses associated with cram schools and professional educational institutions also contributed to the rising educational costs, further compounding the financial challenges students face in accessing higher education in South Korea.