Over Half of Elementary Schools in Jeonbuk Use Textbooks Omitting Key Historical Events

A significant number of elementary schools in Jeonbuk are using social studies textbooks that completely omit descriptions of key events in modern Korean history, including the Donghak Peasant Revolution and the Independence Club.

On October 20, Rep. Kang Kyung-sook of the Justice Party revealed that, according to data from the Jeonbuk Office of Education, 212 out of 399 elementary schools with fifth-grade classes in the province (53.1%) have adopted textbooks that do not include references to the Donghak Peasant Revolution.

The controversial textbook is one of eight approved for the second semester of fifth-grade social studies under the 2022 revised curriculum. It has been found to inadequately cover or completely omit significant events related to social class reform and anti-imperialist and democratic movements, such as the Donghak Peasant Revolution and the Independence Club.

Rep. Kang stated, "The Donghak Peasant Revolution is the root of democracy that sought social class reform and resisted Japanese invasion. Students must learn about it properly."

She further emphasized that it is not enough to simply revise the textbooks; the entire curriculum and evaluation system should be reviewed to ensure that students can learn about important events in Korean history, regardless of which textbook is chosen. She called for collaboration with other regional education offices and local governments to ensure comprehensive education on the Donghak Peasant Revolution nationwide.