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입학하다

B1 verb #5,000 most common 10 min read

입학하다

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 입학하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 입학하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '입학하다' as a basic word for 'starting school.' Imagine a child going to school for the first time. You use this word with the particle '-에' for the school name. For example, '학교에 입학해요' (I enter school). It's an important word because school is a big part of daily life. You might use it in the past tense '입학했어요' to say when you started your current studies. Don't worry about complicated grammar yet; just focus on the 'School + 에 + 입학하다' pattern. It's a 'Hada' verb, so it's easy to conjugate into '입학해요' (polite) or '입학합니다' (formal). Think of it as the opposite of '졸업하다' (to graduate). You will see this word often in your first Korean textbooks when talking about students and their backgrounds.

At the A2 level, you can start using '입학하다' to talk about different types of schools. You can now specify if it's '초등학교' (elementary), '중학교' (middle), or '고등학교' (high school). You might also start using it with time expressions like '내년에' (next year) or '지난달에' (last month). A2 learners should notice how the word is used in questions like '언제 입학했어요?' (When did you enter?). You might also learn the noun form '입학' to understand signs like '입학 안내' (admission information). You should be able to make simple sentences about your family, like '제 동생은 올해 초등학교에 입학해요' (My sibling enters elementary school this year). Understanding the difference between '입학하다' and '학교에 가다' (going to school physically) is a key goal at this level.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social importance of '입학하다' in Korea. You'll encounter it in contexts like '입학 시험' (entrance exam) and '입학식' (entrance ceremony). You should be able to use more complex grammar patterns, such as '입학하게 되어서 기뻐요' (I'm happy because I ended up entering [the school]). You'll also start to see the word in intermediate reading passages about Korean education culture. B1 learners should distinguish between '입학하다' and '진학하다' (to advance to a higher school). You might use it to discuss your future plans or academic history in a job interview or a school application. You should also be comfortable using honorifics, like '선생님의 아드님이 대학에 입학하셨대요' (I heard the teacher's son entered university).

At the B2 level, you should be familiar with the various formal and administrative terms related to '입학하다'. This includes '입학 전형' (admission process), '입학 정원' (admission quota), and '수시 입학' (early admission). You should be able to understand news articles or TV discussions about the '입학 경쟁률' (competition rate) and the stress students face. B2 learners should be able to use the word in nuanced ways, such as '입학을 앞두고' (ahead of admission) or '입학을 허가하다' (to permit admission). You should also understand the difference between '입학' and '편입' (transferring to another school). At this stage, you can discuss the pros and cons of certain admission systems in Korea using this vocabulary fluently.

At the C1 level, you will encounter '입학하다' in academic and professional discourse. You should understand how the word functions in legal or policy documents regarding education. You might analyze the '입학 사정관 제도' (Admissions Officer System) or the socio-economic factors that influence who gets to '입학하다' into prestigious universities. You should be able to use the word in high-level writing, such as essays about educational inequality or the history of the Korean education system. C1 learners should also be aware of historical terms or very formal synonyms like '입교하다' (entering a specific academy/military school) and be able to use them in the correct context. You can discuss the '입학' process not just as a personal event, but as a systemic function of society.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '입학하다' and its far-reaching implications. You can appreciate literature or high-level journalism that uses the word metaphorically or in complex socio-political critiques. You understand the historical evolution of '입학' systems from the Joseon dynasty (like entering the Sungkyunkwan) to the modern era. You can debate the ethical implications of '기여 입학제' (contribution-based admission) or the impact of '입학' trends on national demographics (like the closing of schools due to low birth rates). Your use of the word is precise, considering register, tone, and cultural baggage. You can effortlessly switch between casual mentions of 'entering' a school and formal academic discussions about 'admission' policies.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

입학하다 in 30 Seconds

입학하다 (iphakhada) means to enter or be admitted to a school or university as a formal student in South Korea.
It is a Sino-Korean verb used exclusively for educational institutions like elementary, middle, high school, and university levels.
The word is commonly paired with the particle '-에' (to) and is often associated with ceremonies (입학식) and exams (입학 시험).
It is a significant social milestone in Korea, often celebrated with gifts and marking a transition to a new life stage.

The Korean verb 입학하다 (iphakhada) is a cornerstone of Korean vocabulary, specifically within the realm of education and social milestones. At its most basic level, it translates to 'to enter a school' or 'to be admitted to an educational institution.' However, in the context of South Korean culture, the weight of this word extends far beyond a simple administrative action. It signifies a transition into a new stage of life, a change in social status, and often the culmination of years of intense preparation. Whether a child is entering elementary school for the first time or a young adult is entering a prestigious university, 입학하다 captures the essence of that beginning.

Etymological Breakdown: The word is a Sino-Korean compound. 입 (入) means 'to enter,' and 학 (學) means 'learning' or 'school.' When combined with the functional verb 하다 (to do), it literally means 'to do the entering of school.'
Cultural Significance: In Korea, the 'Entrance Ceremony' (입학식) is a major event. It usually takes place in early March, marking the start of the academic year. Families often gather to celebrate, and students are frequently given gifts like new backpacks, stationery, or even electronic devices to mark the occasion.

우리 아들이 드디어 대학교에 입학하게 되어서 정말 기뻐요.
— "I am so happy that my son is finally entering university."

You will use this word whenever you are discussing the formal process of joining an educational program. It is not used for joining a club (가입하다) or starting a job (입사하다). It is strictly reserved for the hierarchy of formal education: kindergarten (유치원), elementary (초등학교), middle (중학교), high school (고등학교), and university (대학교/대학원). In a society where academic pedigree is highly valued, saying you have 'entered' a specific university carries significant social currency.

그녀는 작년에 서울대학교에 입학했습니다.
— "She entered Seoul National University last year."

Furthermore, the word is often associated with the 'Entrance Exam' (입시). The phrase '입학을 준비하다' (to prepare for admission) is a common reality for many Korean students who spend years studying for the CSAT (Suneung). Thus, the word '입학하다' often carries a sense of relief and accomplishment, representing the successful end of a difficult journey of studying.

Common Contexts: 1. Formal introductions: '저는 2024년에 입학한 신입생입니다.' (I am a freshman who entered in 2024.)
2. News Reports: '올해 입학하는 학생 수가 줄어들었습니다.' (The number of students entering school this year has decreased.)

어느 초등학교에 입학할 예정인가요?
— "Which elementary school are you planning to enter?"

In summary, 입학하다 is an essential verb for discussing life stages, education, and social achievements in Korea. It is a formal, yet ubiquitous term that every learner should master to navigate conversations about background, family, and future plans.

Using 입학하다 correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Korean particles and verb conjugation. Because it is an intransitive verb in most contexts (though it can take an object in some specific constructions), the most common particle to use with the school name is the goal particle -에. This indicates the destination or the institution being entered.

The Standard Pattern: [School Name] + 에 + 입학하다. This is the most natural way to say 'to enter [School].' For example: '대학교에 입학하다' (to enter university).
Using the Object Particle: While '-에' is more common, you will occasionally see -을/를 입학하다 in formal documents or specific academic contexts, though '-에' is generally preferred in speech.

제 동생은 내년에 고등학교에 입학해요.
— "My younger sibling is entering high school next year."

Tense usage is also critical. Since admission is an event, the past tense 입학했다 is used to describe where someone graduated from or where they started their studies. The present tense 입학한다 or the future/intent form 입학할 것이다 is used for upcoming admissions. If you want to talk about the 'state' of being a student who has entered, you might use the noun form 입학생 (entering student/freshman).

어머니께서 늦은 나이에 대학원에 입학하셨습니다.
— "My mother entered graduate school at a late age."

You can also combine 입학하다 with auxiliary verbs to express nuance. For example, 입학하게 되다 implies that the admission happened as a result of external circumstances or after a long process ('I ended up entering...'). This is very common when talking about university results. '입학하고 싶다' is used to express the desire to enter a specific school.

Common Sentence Structures: 1. [Time] + [School] + 에 입학하다: '3월에 대학교에 입학해요.'
2. [Difficulty] + [School] + 에 입학하다: '어렵게 그 명문대에 입학했어요.' (I entered that prestigious university with great difficulty.)

장학금을 받고 대학교에 입학하는 것이 제 목표입니다.
— "My goal is to enter university with a scholarship."

Remember that 입학하다 focuses on the *act* of starting. To describe the ongoing process of attending school, you would use '다니다' (to attend). For example, '학교에 입학했어요' (I entered school) vs. '학교에 다니고 있어요' (I am attending school).

In South Korea, you will hear 입학하다 most frequently during the 'entrance season,' which spans from late January (when results are announced) to early March (when ceremonies take place). It is a ubiquitous term in news media, family gatherings, and educational settings. If you are watching a K-drama, especially those focused on youth or high-stakes education (like 'Sky Castle' or 'Crash Course in Romance'), this word will appear in almost every episode.

News and Media: News anchors often report on '입학 정원' (admission quotas) or '입학 경쟁률' (admission competition rates). You'll hear phrases like '올해 입학 전형이 바뀌었습니다' (The admission process has changed this year).
Family and Social Circles: When relatives meet, a common question asked of children is '올해 몇 학년으로 입학하니?' (Which grade are you entering this year?) or '어느 대학에 입학했니?' (Which university did you enter?).

신입생 여러분, 우리 학교에 입학하신 것을 진심으로 환영합니다!
— "Freshmen, we sincerely welcome your admission to our school!"

In the academic world, the word is part of several compound terms. You will see '입학처' (Office of Admissions) signs all over campus. During orientation, student leaders will talk about the '입학 동기' (peers who entered in the same year). You'll also hear it in the context of '입학 선물' (admission gifts), which is a huge market in Korea during February.

입학 시험 공부 때문에 너무 스트레스 받아요.
— "I'm so stressed because of studying for the entrance exam."

Even in non-traditional settings, the word is used. For example, someone might '입학' into a specialized 'Academy' (학원) or a 'Training Center' (연수원). While '등록하다' (to register) is more common for short-term courses, '입학하다' is used when the program feels like a formal school with a set graduation date.

Formal Announcements: Public announcements in subways or buses near universities often say, '이번 정류장은 OO대학교 입학처 앞입니다.' (This stop is in front of OO University Admissions Office.)

드디어 꿈에 그리던 예술학교에 입학하게 됐어요!
— "I finally got to enter the art school I've been dreaming of!"

Understanding this word is vital because it opens up conversations about a person's history. In Korea, asking '언제 입학하셨어요?' (When did you enter?) is a standard way to establish 'hak-beon' (class year), which determines social hierarchy and seniority in many organizations.

While 입학하다 seems straightforward, learners often make a few key errors. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with other 'entering' verbs or using the wrong particles. Because Korean has specific verbs for different types of 'joining,' using the wrong one can sound very unnatural or even confusing to a native speaker.

Confusing 입학하다 with 입사하다: This is the #1 mistake. 입학하다 is ONLY for schools. If you are joining a company, you must use 입사하다 (ipsahada). Saying '회사에 입학했다' sounds like you think the company is a school where you go to study.
Overusing the Past Tense: Learners often say '저는 학교에 입학해요' when they mean 'I am a student.' In Korean, once you have entered, you are 'in the state of having entered' (입학했다) or you are 'attending' (다니다). Use the present tense only for the immediate upcoming event.

❌ 저는 작년에 대학교를 가입했어요.
✅ 저는 작년에 대학교에 입학했어요.
— "I entered university last year." (가입하다 is for clubs/memberships)

Another common error is particle confusion. While -에 is the standard, some learners use -에서. Remember that '-에서' is for actions happening *at* a location, but 입학하다 is a movement *into* an institution, so '-에' is correct. Also, don't confuse 입학 (noun) with 입국 (entry into a country).

❌ 학교 안으로 입학하세요.
✅ 학교 안으로 들어가세요.
— "Please go inside the school." (입학 refers to enrollment, not physical entry)

Finally, be careful with the passive form. English speakers often say 'I was admitted,' which might tempt you to look for a passive verb. In Korean, 입학하다 is used actively by the student: '내가 입학했다' (I entered). If you want to say the school accepted you, you would use '합격하다' (to pass/be accepted).

Summary of Mistake Contexts: - Using for jobs (Use 입사)
- Using for physical entry (Use 들어가다)
- Using for clubs (Use 가입)
- Using wrong particles (Use -에)

그는 재수 끝에 원하는 대학에 입학했다.
— "He entered the university he wanted after a second attempt."

By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will avoid the awkward phrasing that marks a beginner and instead sound like a more nuanced, intermediate speaker of Korean.

To truly master 입학하다, you need to know how it sits within a family of related terms. Depending on the formality of the situation or the specific stage of the 'entering' process, you might choose a different word. Korean is rich in these subtle distinctions.

진학하다 (Jinhakhada) - To Advance: While 입학하다 focuses on the destination, 진학하다 focuses on the progression. It means 'to move on to a higher level of school.' Example: '대학 진학을 포기하다' (To give up on going to university).
합격하다 (Hapgyeokhada) - To Pass/Be Accepted: This is the prerequisite for 입학하다. You must 'pass' the exam or the application process before you can 'enter.' Example: '시험에 합격해서 입학하게 됐어요.' (I passed the exam, so I'm entering.)
등록하다 (Deungrokhada) - To Register/Enroll: This is the administrative side of entering. It usually involves paying tuition. If you 'enter' a school but don't 'register' (pay), you can't attend. Example: '수강 신청을 위해 등록해야 해요.' (You must register for course enrollment.)

그는 고등학교 졸업 후 바로 대학교에 진학하지 않았습니다.
— "He didn't advance to university right after graduating high school."

For more casual settings, you can simply use 들어가다 (to go in). In spoken Korean, '나 이번에 대학 들어가' (I'm entering college this time) is very common and sounds less stiff than using the full Sino-Korean verb in a casual conversation with friends.

좋은 대학에 합격하는 것과 입학하는 것은 다른 느낌이에요.
— "Passing a good university and actually entering one feel different."

In formal academic papers, you might encounter 입교하다 (ipgyohada), which is specifically used for entering a training center, military academy, or a religious school. It is much more niche than 입학하다. Similarly, 입원하다 (entering a hospital) follows the same pattern but has a completely different meaning.

Antonyms to Know: The direct opposite is 졸업하다 (joreophada), meaning 'to graduate.' Another related opposite is 자퇴하다 (jatwehada), which means 'to drop out' or 'to voluntarily leave school.'

그는 입학한 지 한 달 만에 학교를 그만뒀어요.
— "He quit school just one month after entering."

Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise. If you want to sound more formal, stick with 입학하다. If you want to talk about the struggle of getting in, use 합격하다. If you're talking to your Korean roommate, 들어가다 is your best friend.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In historical Korea, '입학' referred to entering the Sungkyunkwan, the highest educational institution of the Joseon Dynasty. It was a rare and prestigious event reserved for the elite.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ip.hak.ha.da/

US /ip.hak.ha.da/

Stress is evenly distributed across syllables, as is typical in Korean, but a slight emphasis may be heard on 'hak' due to the consonant cluster.

Rhymes With

부탁하다 (butakhada) 도착하다 (dochakhada) 세탁하다 (setakhada) 숙박하다 (sukbakhada) 정착하다 (jeongchakhada) 하락하다 (harakhada) 심각하다 (simgakhada) 합격하다 (hapgyeokhada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'k' in 'hak' too strongly. It should be a stop consonant.
Confusing 'ip-hak' with 'i-pak'. The 'h' must be audible.
Over-aspirating the 'p' in 'ip'.
Blending 'hak' and 'ha' into one syllable.
Pronouncing 'da' like 'the'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word itself is simple, but it often appears in complex sentences about education policy.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct use of the particle '-에' and understanding the 'Hada' conjugation.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in daily life; pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in the context of school and March.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

학교 (School) 학생 (Student) 하다 (To do) 가다 (To go)

Learn Next

졸업하다 (To graduate) 진학하다 (To advance to higher school) 합격하다 (To pass) 수업 (Class)

Advanced

학위 (Degree) 학사 (Bachelor's) 석사 (Master's) 박사 (Doctorate) 교과과정 (Curriculum)

Grammar to Know

Particle -에 with Goal/Destination

학교에 입학하다. (Enter to school.)

Honorific Infix -시-

선생님 아들이 입학하셨어요. (The teacher's son entered.)

Resultative -게 되다

원하던 학교에 입학하게 됐어요. (I ended up entering the school I wanted.)

Sequential -아서/어서

시험에 합격해서 입학했어요. (I passed the exam and entered.)

Noun Modifier -는/ㄴ

입학한 학생 (The student who entered).

Examples by Level

저는 내년에 학교에 입학해요.

I enter school next year.

Future/Present tense used for a planned event.

언제 대학교에 입학했어요?

When did you enter university?

Past tense '입학했어요' for a completed action.

우리 아이가 초등학교에 입학합니다.

Our child enters elementary school.

Formal polite ending '-합니다'.

입학을 축하합니다!

Congratulations on your admission!

Noun '입학' used as an object with '축하합니다'.

그는 3월에 입학해요.

He enters in March.

Time particle '-에' used with the month.

어느 학교에 입학하고 싶어요?

Which school do you want to enter?

'-고 싶다' expresses desire.

동생이 유치원에 입학했어요.

My younger sibling entered kindergarten.

Subject '동생' with past tense verb.

학교에 입학해서 친구를 만나요.

I enter school and meet friends.

'-아서/어서' connecting two sequential actions.

저는 작년에 한국 대학교에 입학했어요.

I entered a Korean university last year.

Location '한국 대학교' with particle '-에'.

제 친구는 고등학교에 입학하지 않았어요.

My friend did not enter high school.

Negative form '-지 않았다'.

입학식은 언제 시작해요?

When does the entrance ceremony start?

Compound noun '입학식' (entrance ceremony).

공부를 열심히 해서 좋은 대학에 입학하고 싶어요.

I want to study hard and enter a good university.

Connecting '열심히 해서' (study hard and...) with the goal.

그녀는 늦은 나이에 다시 대학에 입학했습니다.

She entered university again at a late age.

Adverbial phrase '늦은 나이에' (at a late age).

입학하려면 무엇이 필요해요?

What do I need if I want to enter?

'-으려면' (if one intends to...).

장학금을 받고 입학하는 것이 제 꿈이에요.

Entering with a scholarship is my dream.

Noun clause '입학하는 것' (the act of entering).

우리 형은 이번에 대학원에 입학할 거예요.

My older brother will enter graduate school this time.

Future tense '-을 거예요'.

원하는 대학교에 입학하게 되어서 정말 기쁩니다.

I'm so happy that I ended up entering the university I wanted.

'-게 되다' indicates a result or change of state.

입학 시험을 준비하는 동안 스트레스를 많이 받았어요.

I was very stressed while preparing for the entrance exam.

'-는 동안' (while/during).

이 학교에 입학하려면 성적이 좋아야 합니다.

To enter this school, your grades must be good.

'-어/아야 하다' (must/have to).

그는 입학한 지 얼마 안 되어서 학교 생활에 적응했어요.

He adapted to school life not long after entering.

'-ㄴ 지' (since...).

입학 전형에 대해 자세히 알고 싶습니다.

I want to know more about the admission process.

'-에 대해' (about/concerning).

부모님은 제가 의대에 입학하기를 바라셨어요.

My parents hoped that I would enter medical school.

'-기(를) 바라다' (to hope for/wish).

입학 선물로 노트북을 받았어요.

I received a laptop as an admission gift.

'-로' (as/in the capacity of).

그 대학은 입학 경쟁률이 매우 높기로 유명해요.

That university is famous for having a very high admission competition rate.

'-기로 유명하다' (famous for...).

올해는 신입생들의 입학 성적이 전반적으로 향상되었습니다.

This year, the admission grades of freshmen have generally improved.

Passive verb '향상되다' (to be improved).

입학 사정관 제도 덕분에 다양한 재능을 가진 학생들이 입학할 수 있게 되었습니다.

Thanks to the admissions officer system, students with diverse talents are now able to enter.

'-덕분에' (thanks to).

그는 군 복무를 마치고 다시 대학교에 복학하기 전에 입학 당시를 회상했다.

After finishing his military service, he recalled the time of his admission before returning to school.

Noun '당시' (at that time) with '입학'.

경제적인 사정으로 인해 입학을 포기하는 학생들이 늘고 있어 안타깝습니다.

It is unfortunate that the number of students giving up on admission due to economic reasons is increasing.

'-로 인해' (due to/because of).

입학 통지서를 받았을 때의 그 설렘을 잊을 수 없어요.

I can't forget the excitement when I received the admission notice.

'-ㄹ 때' (when...).

정원 외 입학 전형을 통해 입학한 학생들도 학교 생활에 잘 참여하고 있습니다.

Students who entered through the 'extra-quota' admission process are also participating well in school life.

Phrase '정원 외 입학' (admission outside the quota).

입학 허가서를 받으려면 비자 서류를 먼저 제출해야 합니다.

To receive an admission letter, you must first submit visa documents.

Noun '입학 허가서' (Letter of Admission).

그는 명문대 입학을 위해 재수까지 마다하지 않았다.

He did not hesitate to retake the entrance exam for admission to a prestigious university.

'마다하지 않다' (to not hesitate/not refuse).

대학 입학이 계층 이동의 사다리 역할을 하던 시대는 지났다는 비판이 제기되고 있다.

Criticism is being raised that the era when university admission served as a ladder for social mobility is over.

Metaphorical use of '사다리 역할' (role of a ladder).

입학 전형의 공정성을 확보하기 위해 블라인드 면접 도입이 확산되고 있는 추세이다.

The introduction of blind interviews is spreading to ensure the fairness of the admission process.

'-기 위해' (in order to) and '추세이다' (it is a trend).

기여 입학제 도입 문제는 교육의 형평성 측면에서 여전히 뜨거운 감자이다.

The issue of introducing contribution-based admission remains a 'hot potato' in terms of educational equity.

Idiom '뜨거운 감자' (hot potato/controversial issue).

학령 인구의 급격한 감소로 인해 지방 대학들은 입학 정원을 채우는 데 어려움을 겪고 있다.

Due to the rapid decrease in the school-age population, local universities are having difficulty filling their admission quotas.

'-는 데 어려움을 겪다' (to have difficulty in...).

입학 사정의 투명성을 제고하기 위해 평가 기준을 공개해야 한다는 목소리가 높다.

There is a strong call to disclose evaluation criteria to enhance the transparency of admission assessments.

'제고하기 위해' (to enhance/improve).

그는 입학 당시 품었던 원대한 포부를 잊지 않고 학업에 매진했다.

He devoted himself to his studies without forgetting the grand ambitions he held at the time of admission.

Literary expression '원대한 포부' (grand ambition).

특성화 고등학교 입학을 통해 조기에 직업 교육을 받는 학생들이 늘어나고 있다.

The number of students receiving early vocational training by entering specialized high schools is increasing.

Noun '특성화 고등학교' (specialized high school).

선취업 후진학 제도는 직장인들에게 대학 입학의 문턱을 낮추어 주었다.

The 'employment first, advancement later' system has lowered the threshold for university admission for workers.

Metaphor '문턱을 낮추다' (to lower the threshold).

대학 입학 전형의 복잡다단함은 사교육 시장의 팽창을 야기하는 주요 원인 중 하나로 지목된다.

The complexity of university admission processes is pointed out as one of the main causes leading to the expansion of the private education market.

Advanced vocabulary '복잡다단함' (complexity) and '야기하다' (to cause).

입학이라는 관문을 통과하기 위해 청소년들이 치러야 하는 기회비용은 실로 막대하다.

The opportunity cost that adolescents must pay to pass through the gateway of admission is truly enormous.

Economic term '기회비용' (opportunity cost).

과거 서원이나 성균관에 입학하여 유학을 공부하던 선비들의 전통은 오늘날의 교육 열기로 이어지고 있다.

The tradition of scholars who entered Seowon or Sungkyunkwan to study Confucianism continues into today's educational fervor.

Historical reference to '서원' and '성균관'.

입학 성적 지상주의가 초래한 학벌 사회의 폐해에 대해 심도 있는 성찰이 요구되는 시점이다.

It is a time when deep reflection is required on the harmful effects of a pedigree-oriented society caused by the supremacy of admission grades.

Complex noun phrase '입학 성적 지상주의' (supremacy of admission grades).

고교 평준화 정책 이후에도 특정 명문고 입학을 위한 경쟁은 여전히 치열하게 전개되고 있다.

Even after the high school equalization policy, competition for admission to specific prestigious high schools is still unfolding intensely.

Sociopolitical term '고교 평준화' (high school equalization).

입학 사정 과정에서 발생할 수 있는 주관적 편향을 배제하는 것이 평가의 핵심 과제이다.

Excluding subjective bias that may occur during the admission assessment process is the key task of evaluation.

Formal verb '배제하다' (to exclude).

재외국민 특별 전형을 통한 입학은 글로벌 인재 유치라는 명분과 형평성 논란 사이에서 줄타기를 하고 있다.

Admission through special screening for overseas Koreans is walking a tightrope between the justification of attracting global talent and the controversy over equity.

Metaphor '줄타기를 하다' (walking a tightrope/balancing act).

입학 정원 감축은 단순한 숫자의 조정을 넘어 지역 경제의 존립과 직결된 생존의 문제이다.

The reduction of admission quotas is not just a numerical adjustment but a matter of survival directly linked to the existence of the local economy.

Strong expression '존립과 직결된' (directly linked to existence).

Synonyms

들어가다 진학하다 등록하다 합격하다

Antonyms

졸업하다 퇴학하다

Common Collocations

대학교에 입학하다

정식으로 입학하다

어렵게 입학하다

장학금을 받고 입학하다

입학을 허가하다

입학을 축하하다

입학을 준비하다

입학을 앞두다

입학이 결정되다

입학을 포기하다

Common Phrases

입학식

— Entrance ceremony. A formal event held at the beginning of the school year.

내일은 우리 아이의 초등학교 입학식이에요.

입학 시험

— Entrance examination. A test taken to qualify for admission.

입학 시험을 보러 일찍 일어났어요.

입학 원서

— Application for admission. The form submitted to apply to a school.

입학 원서를 작성해서 제출했습니다.

입학 허가서

— Letter of admission. An official document stating a student has been accepted.

이메일로 입학 허가서를 받았어요.

입학 전형

— Admission process or screening method.

학교마다 입학 전형이 다릅니다.

입학 정원

— Admission quota. The maximum number of students a school can admit.

올해는 입학 정원이 줄어들었습니다.

입학 수수료

— Admission fee. The money paid when entering a school.

입학 수수료를 납부해야 합니다.

입학 동기

— Classmates who entered in the same year.

우리는 대학교 입학 동기예요.

입학 사정관

— Admissions officer.

입학 사정관과 면접을 보았습니다.

입학 선물

— A gift given to someone who is starting school.

입학 선물로 가방을 사 주었어요.

Often Confused With

입학하다 vs 입사하다

Used for entering a company (joining a job), not a school.

입학하다 vs 입국하다

Used for entering a country (passing through customs).

입학하다 vs 가입하다

Used for joining a club, group, or website membership.

Idioms & Expressions

"입학의 문이 좁다"

— The door to admission is narrow, meaning it is very difficult to get in.

그 명문대는 입학의 문이 좁기로 유명하다.

Neutral

"입학의 문턱을 넘다"

— To cross the threshold of admission, meaning to successfully enter.

그는 마침내 꿈에 그리던 대학의 입학의 문턱을 넘었다.

Literary

"하늘의 별 따기"

— Plucking a star from the sky. Often used to describe how hard it is to enter certain schools.

그 의대에 입학하는 것은 하늘의 별 따기다.

Informal

"좁은 문을 통과하다"

— To pass through a narrow gate. Used for highly competitive admissions.

치열한 경쟁률을 뚫고 좁은 문을 통과했다.

Formal

"입학의 영광을 안다"

— To have the honor of being admitted.

수석으로 입학하는 영광을 안았다.

Formal

"바늘구멍 통과하기"

— Passing through the eye of a needle. Similar to 'narrow door'.

유명 사립 초등학교 입학은 바늘구멍 통과하기다.

Informal

"첫 단추를 잘 끼우다"

— To button the first button correctly. Often used to describe starting school (입학) successfully.

입학을 잘 해서 첫 단추를 잘 끼워야 한다.

Neutral

"새 출발을 하다"

— To make a fresh start. Commonly used when someone enters a new school.

입학을 통해 인생의 새 출발을 하게 되었다.

Neutral

"공든 탑이 무너지랴"

— Will a hard-built tower crumble? Used to encourage students studying for admission.

열심히 공부했으니 입학할 거야. 공든 탑이 무너지랴.

Neutral

"등용문에 오르다"

— To pass the 'Dragon Gate'. Refers to entering a prestigious institution that guarantees success.

그 법대에 입학한 것은 등용문에 오른 것과 같다.

Literary/Historical

Easily Confused

입학하다 vs 진학하다

Both involve going to a new school.

'입학하다' focuses on the specific institution you enter. '진학하다' focuses on the act of advancing to a higher educational level (e.g., from middle to high school).

대학교에 입학했다 (I entered university). 대학에 진학했다 (I advanced to university level).

입학하다 vs 등록하다

Both happen at the start of school.

'입학하다' is the social/academic act of starting. '등록하다' is the administrative act of registering and paying tuition.

학교에 등록하러 은행에 가요.

입학하다 vs 들어가다

Both mean 'to enter'.

'들어가다' is physical entry or casual enrollment. '입학하다' is formal academic enrollment.

교실에 들어가다 (Walk into the classroom).

입학하다 vs 합격하다

Both relate to getting into a school.

'합격하다' means you passed the test/requirements. '입학하다' means you actually started attending.

합격했지만 입학은 안 했어요 (I passed but didn't enroll).

입학하다 vs 편입하다

Both involve becoming a student at a school.

'입학하다' is for starting as a freshman. '편입하다' is for transferring from another school into a higher year (e.g., as a junior).

3학년으로 편입했어요.

Sentence Patterns

[School] + 에 입학해요.

대학교에 입학해요.

[Year] + 에 [School] + 에 입학했어요.

작년에 고등학교에 입학했어요.

[School] + 에 입학하게 되어서 [Emotion].

이 학교에 입학하게 되어서 기뻐요.

[School] + 에 입학하려고 공부해요.

의대에 입학하려고 열심히 공부해요.

[School] + 에 입학한 지 [Time] 됐어요.

대학교에 입학한 지 2년 됐어요.

[School] + 입학 시험을 보다.

명문고 입학 시험을 봤어요.

[Policy] + 덕분에 [School] + 에 입학할 수 있었다.

장학금 제도 덕분에 명문대에 입학할 수 있었다.

[Socio-economic factor] + (이)가 입학에 영향을 미치다.

부모의 소득 수준이 대학 입학에 큰 영향을 미친다.

Word Family

Nouns

입학 (Admission/Entrance)

입학생 (Entering student/Freshman)

입학식 (Entrance ceremony)

입학처 (Admissions office)

입학금 (Admission fee)

Verbs

입학시키다 (To have someone enter/admit someone)

재입학하다 (To re-enter/re-enroll)

졸업 (Graduation)

학교 (School)

학생 (Student)

합격 (Passing/Acceptance)

진학 (Advancement to higher school)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in educational, family, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

회사에 입학했어요. → 회사에 입사했어요.
You '입학' (enter learning) to a school, but you '입사' (enter company) to a job. Using '입학' for a company is a category error.
학교에서 입학하다. → 학교에 입학하다.
'-에서' indicates where an action takes place, but '입학' is a movement into a state/institution, so the goal particle '-에' is required.
저는 대학교를 가입했어요. → 저는 대학교에 입학했어요.
'가입하다' is for joining a club, a gym, or a website. For a formal educational institution, you must use '입학하다'.
학교 안으로 입학하세요. → 학교 안으로 들어가세요.
'입학하다' refers to the legal status of enrollment. If you are literally telling someone to walk into a building, use '들어가다'.
입학을 졸업했어요. → 학교를 졸업했어요.
You don't 'graduate admission'. You 'enter' (입학) and 'graduate' (졸업) from a *school* (학교).

Tips

Particle Choice

Always remember to use the destination particle '-에'. While English says 'enter [school]', Korean says 'enter *to* school'. '학교에 입학하다' is the gold standard.

Job vs. School

Never use '입학하다' for a company. Use '입사하다'. This is a very common mistake that native speakers find slightly humorous because it implies the company is a place for children to study.

Gift Etiquette

If someone you know '입학's into a university, it is polite to send a small gift or a congratulatory message. It is considered one of the biggest 'congratulation' events in a young person's life.

The 'H' Sound

Don't let the 'k' in 'hak' swallow the 'h' in 'ha'. It's 'ip-hak-ha-da'. Pronouncing it clearly shows you are paying attention to the Sino-Korean roots.

State vs. Action

Use '입학했다' (past) to describe your background. Use '다녀요' (present) to describe your current status as a student. '입학해요' is only for the future or the very moment of starting.

Honorifics

When asking an elder about their child's school, use '입학하셨나요?' or '입학했나요?' depending on the level of respect. Using the honorific infix '-시-' is always safer.

Essay Tips

In academic writing, use the noun '입학' with other nouns to create professional terms like '입학 전형' (admission process) or '입학 정책' (admission policy).

Context Clues

If you hear '3월' (March) and '학교' (school), the word '입학' is likely to follow. Training your ear for these clusters helps with comprehension.

Establishing Seniority

Knowing someone's '입학' year (학번) helps you understand their age and social standing in a group. It's a key part of Korean social networking.

Difficulty

If someone says '입학이 하늘의 별 따기야', they aren't talking about astronomy! They mean the school is extremely hard to get into.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'IP' as 'In Person' (entering) and 'HAK' as 'Hawk' (a smart bird in school). You are 'In Person' as a 'Hawk' entering school.

Visual Association

Imagine a student walking through a giant gate shaped like the letter 'H' (for Hak/School).

Word Web

학교 (School) 가방 (Bag) 친구 (Friend) 공부 (Study) 선생님 (Teacher) 교실 (Classroom) 책상 (Desk) 시험 (Exam)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about entering elementary school, one about entering university, and one about an entrance ceremony.

Word Origin

From the Sino-Korean words '입' (入) and '학' (學). '入' (ip) means to enter, and '學' (hak) means to study or learn. These are combined with the native Korean verb '하다' (to do).

Original meaning: To enter the place of learning.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing university admission with Koreans, as it can be a source of significant stress, trauma, or pride depending on their results.

In English-speaking countries, 'entering school' is a common phrase, but we often use 'starting school' or 'enrolling.' The ceremony aspect is usually less formal than in Korea.

The drama 'Sky Castle' revolves entirely around the obsession with '입학' into medical school. The movie 'Pluto' explores the dark side of elite high school '입학'. Many K-pop songs mention '신입생' (freshmen) and the feelings of '입학'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Gathering

어느 대학에 입학했니?
입학 선물 뭐 갖고 싶어?
입학 축하한다!
공부하느라 수고 많았다.

School Office

입학 원서를 어디에 제출하나요?
입학 허가서를 받으러 왔습니다.
입학 절차가 어떻게 되나요?
입학금을 납부했습니다.

First Day of School

오늘 입학식이에요.
신입생 여러분의 입학을 환영합니다.
입학 동기들과 인사하세요.
학교에 입학하니 어때요?

Job Interview

언제 대학교에 입학하셨습니까?
전공을 선택해서 입학한 계기가 무엇입니까?
입학 후 어떤 활동을 하셨나요?
어려운 환경에서도 입학하셨군요.

News Report

입학 경쟁률이 사상 최고를 기록했습니다.
지방 대학의 입학 정원 미달이 심각합니다.
입학 전형이 대폭 변경되었습니다.
조기 입학 아동이 늘고 있습니다.

Conversation Starters

"어느 대학교에 입학하고 싶으세요? (Which university do you want to enter?)"

"입학식 때 찍은 사진 있어요? (Do you have photos from your entrance ceremony?)"

"입학 선물로 무엇을 받으셨나요? (What did you receive as an admission gift?)"

"한국 학교에 입학하는 것이 어렵나요? (Is it difficult to enter a Korean school?)"

"입학 첫날 기분이 어땠어요? (How did you feel on the first day of admission?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 꿈꾸는 대학교에 입학했을 때의 기분을 상상해서 써 보세요. (Imagine and write about how you would feel entering your dream university.)

한국의 입학 문화와 우리 나라의 입학 문화의 차이점을 설명해 보세요. (Explain the differences between Korean admission culture and your country's.)

입학을 위해 가장 열심히 노력했던 경험에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about your experience of working hardest for admission.)

미래에 다시 학교에 입학한다면 무엇을 배우고 싶나요? (If you were to enter school again in the future, what would you want to learn?)

입학식 날의 날씨와 분위기를 기억하며 일기를 써 보세요. (Write a diary entry remembering the weather and atmosphere of your entrance ceremony day.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it applies to all formal schools including kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school. It can also apply to graduate schools. For example, '유치원에 입학하다' is perfectly correct.

Generally, '등록하다' (to register) or '다니다' (to attend) is more common for private academies. However, if the academy is very formal and has a set graduation date, '입학하다' might be used in a marketing or formal context.

Yes, in formal or written contexts, you might see '대학교를 입학하다'. However, in everyday speech, '-에' is much more common and natural: '대학교에 입학하다'.

'입학' is the act of entering or admission itself (the noun). '입학식' is the specific ceremony held to celebrate the new students entering the school.

You can say '입학 허가를 받았다' (received admission permission) or '합격했다' (passed/was accepted). However, most Koreans simply say '입학했다' (I entered) to imply they were admitted.

The official academic year starts in March, so the '입학' season is late February and early March. This is different from many Western countries where school starts in August or September.

Yes, if an adult goes back to university or enters a graduate program, they use '입학하다'. Age doesn't matter; it's the act of entering the educational institution.

Yes, it is used for cyber universities or formal online degree programs: '사이버 대학교에 입학했어요'.

'재입학' (jae-ip-hak) means re-admission. This happens if a student dropped out or was expelled and then is allowed to enter the same school again.

For elementary schoolers, backpacks (책가방) are the most traditional. For university students, laptops, tablets, or cash are very common gifts.