According to the ministry, crammers would be barred from offering rote-style intensive classes for children under 36 months as early as the second half of next year, while lesson times for preschoolers would also be capped.
The move comes amid growing criticism that the boom in early private tutoring, driven by South Korean parents' obsessive zeal to give their kids a head start, is actually hindering their cognitive development.
Under its proposal, crammers would be prohibited from giving toddlers solely teacher-led instruction, often involving repetitive drills that require them to memorize rather than understand.
For preschoolers aged three and older, similar classes would be limited to a maximum of three hours per day and 15 hours per week. Play-based classes that include practical activities and hands-on experiences will be allowed.
As it may be difficult to clearly distinguish one class from another based on their format, the ministry said it will come up with detailed guidelines later.
Separately, revisions to relevant laws banning level tests for infants are also being pursued, aiming to prevent crammers from conducting written or oral exams to assess children's levels for class placement or admission screenings.
The ministry will also step up monitoring of illegal practices, offering rewards of up to 2 million won to those who report violations.
"The early years of a child's life are crucial for building a strong foundation for their future. We will focus on protecting children's development and supporting their healthy growth," said Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin, adding that public education will be strengthened by expanding a wider range of after-school programs to reduce parents' reliance on private tutoring.
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