Royal Rescript on Education

Gojong proclaimed the Rescript on Building the Nation through Education, then founded the Hanseong Normal School and primary schools, laying down a modern school system.

During the second Gabo Reform, in the 2nd lunar month of 1895, Gojong issued the rescript declaring education "the foundation for preserving the nation". It set moral, physical and intellectual training as the three aims, promising practical modern education instead of rote learning of the classics.

Regulations for the Hanseong Normal School to train teachers followed, an ordinance on primary schools set up state primary schools, and the foreign-language schools were reorganized, with the Ministry of Education in charge. Together with the article of the Hongbeom 14 on sending bright youths abroad to learn, it marked the start of a state school system. The Korean Empire added middle, vocational and medical schools in the Gwangmu Reform.