A Virtual University Trial Project: Its Impact On Higher Education in South Korea

The Presidential Commission on Education Reform of South Korea defined the goal of the South Korean education system in the 21st century as an Edutopia, an education welfare society of open and lifelong education to allow each and every individual equal and easy access to education at any time and place. Responding to the Commission's recommendation, the government initiated a Virtual University Trial Project that was intended to operate until 2000. Its aims were to: (i) encourage partnerships among universities and the private sector, and the sharing of existing resources; (ii)create a cost-effective virtual education system without diminishing quality; (iii)identify appropriate policies and standards for running a virtual university; and (iv) share experiences. This paper examines recent government policies in higher education in South Korea, analyses changes, introduces the Virtual University Trial Project and discusses its impacts on higher education. Recommendations for improvement and future research are offered.