Yeungnam University Department of Chinese Characters Education Ranks First Nationwide with Eight Successful Candidates in Secondary School Teacher Recruitment Exam

The Department of Chinese Characters Education at Yeungnam University has ranked first nationwide in the number of successful candidates in the 2026 secondary school teacher recruitment examination. The department previously produced the highest number of successful candidates in South Korea for five consecutive years from 2014 to 2018, and again secured the top spot in 2020, solidifying its unrivaled performance among all Chinese Characters Education and Chinese Literature departments at universities across the country.

For the 2026 secondary school teacher recruitment examination, a total of 43 candidates were selected in eight regions nationwide. Yeungnam University’s Department of Chinese Characters Education produced eight successful candidates in six regions, excluding Busan and Jeonnam, demonstrating its nationwide achievements. Notably, the top scorers in Chungnam (Im Sooyeon), Ulsan (Kim Yejin), and Gyeongbuk (Jeon Minji) were all graduates of Yeungnam University’s Department of Chinese Characters Education. In the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, which saw a high competition ratio of 14:1, both the top and second-highest scorers (Gwak Dahyun) were from Yeungnam University’s Department of Chinese Characters Education, achieving a remarkable distinction.

Professors from the Department of Chinese Characters Education at Yeungnam University and successful candidates of the teacher certification exam gathered in one place.

In addition to the main subject of Chinese Characters, students who completed double majors and took the examination for other subjects also performed well. One candidate each passed in Korean Language and Social Studies, resulting in a total of 10 new secondary school teachers produced by Yeungnam University’s Department of Chinese Characters Education this year. This demonstrates the department’s strength not only in its primary field but also in other subjects, reaffirming its role as a cradle for nurturing secondary school teachers.

Kang Myeongju, a graduate who passed the recruitment examination this year, said, "It is especially meaningful to achieve this result together with my peers and seniors and juniors who have worked hard alongside me. The constant encouragement from professors and seniors who have guided me made this achievement possible," adding, "From now on, I want to give back the support I received and contribute to the continued growth of Yeungnam University’s Department of Chinese Characters Education as the center of Chinese character education in Korea."

The key to Yeungnam University’s Department of Chinese Characters Education maintaining its top position nationwide lies in its rigorous and thorough academic management, as well as its unique departmental atmosphere where seniors, juniors, and professors form a tight-knit community. Professors and students regularly engage in open conversations, strengthening unity and cohesion, and have fostered exceptional relationships. Unique extracurricular programs—such as calligraphy exhibitions, professor-student hiking trips, growth talks, and specialized holiday lectures guided personally by professors—have distinguished Yeungnam University’s department from others.

A culture of "seniors leading and juniors following" has also taken root in the department. Alumni who have passed the recruitment examination and now work as teachers at middle and high schools across the country have devoted themselves to supporting their juniors’ exam preparations, resulting in a remarkable 80% passing rate in the second round of the examination. Mutual respect and consideration are ingrained in the department, where students are healthy competitors and partners in each other’s growth. For example, four classmates from the class of 2019 formed a study group and prepared for the exam together; all four passed, with some earning top honors in Ulsan and Chungnam this year.

Bongnam Kim, head of the Department of Chinese Characters Education at Yeungnam University, stated, "I hope our proud students, who have finally achieved their dreams through great passion and perseverance, will now aspire to become true educators whom students trust and look up to. This is only the real beginning." He also offered words of encouragement, saying, "I send my heartfelt applause to the graduates who did not pass this time, as well as to all Chinese Characters Education exam candidates across the country."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.