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진학하다

A2 verb #6,000 most common 10 min read

진학하다

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 진학하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 진학하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '진학하다' frequently, as it is a bit formal. Instead, you might use '학교에 가요' (I go to school). However, it is good to recognize the root '학' (hak), which means study or school, as in '학생' (student) or '학교' (school). At this stage, you just need to know that this word is about schools and moving to a new, bigger school. You might hear a teacher say it, and you should understand they are talking about your next step in education. Focus on the basic structure: [School] + 에 + 가요. This will prepare you for the more specific '진학하다' later. Think of it as the 'big kid' version of going to school.

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about your future plans and goals. '진학하다' is a perfect word for this. You should be able to say '저는 대학교에 진학하고 싶어요' (I want to advance to university). You should understand that it is used when you finish one school and start a higher one. For example, after middle school (중학교), you advance to high school (고등학교). This is '진학'. You should also be able to use the particle '에' correctly with this verb. It's a useful word for basic self-introductions when you want to sound a bit more serious about your studies. You might also encounter it in simple reading passages about students.

By B1, you should be comfortable using '진학하다' in various tenses and forms. You can discuss not just your own plans, but also the general trends among your friends or in your country. You might use the noun form '진학' in phrases like '진학 상담' (academic counseling). You should understand the difference between '진학하다' and '입학하다' (to enter/enroll). At this level, you can explain *why* you want to advance to a certain school: '더 깊이 공부하기 위해서 대학원에 진학하기로 했어요' (I decided to advance to graduate school to study more deeply). You are now moving beyond simple statements to expressing intentions and reasons.

At the B2 level, you can use '진학하다' to discuss more complex social issues in Korea, such as the high competition for university entrance. You should be able to use it in the passive or with complex grammar like '-ㄹ 수밖에 없다' (cannot help but...). For example, '한국 학생들은 좋은 대학에 진학할 수밖에 없다는 압박감을 느껴요' (Korean students feel the pressure that they have no choice but to advance to a good university). You should also be familiar with related academic terms like '진학률' (advancement rate) and '진학 지도' (guidance for advancement). You can participate in debates about whether advancing to university is always necessary for success.

At the C1 level, you use '진학하다' with precision and nuance. You can discuss the historical and philosophical reasons behind the high '진학' rates in East Asian cultures, referencing Confucian values. You might use the word in formal writing, such as an essay on educational policy or a research paper. You understand how '진학' impacts the labor market and social stratification. You can use advanced structures like '진학을 목전에 두고' (with advancement just ahead) or '진학 여부를 고민하다' (to ponder whether or not to advance). Your vocabulary includes synonyms and related high-level Hanja words that provide a broader context to the act of advancing in education.

At the C2 level, '진학하다' is just one small part of your vast educational vocabulary. You can use it in highly technical discussions about pedagogy, systemic educational reform, and the socio-economic implications of 'academic inflation' caused by high advancement rates. You can analyze literary works where the concept of '진학' serves as a metaphor for social climbing or personal transformation. You are capable of comparing the Korean concept of '진학' with similar educational transitions in other cultures using sophisticated comparative language. You can also use the word in creative writing to evoke the specific atmosphere of the Korean school system and the emotional weight of moving upward in life.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

진학하다 in 30 Seconds

진학하다 means to advance to a higher school level, such as university.
It is a formal term often used in academic and professional contexts.
The verb requires the destination particle '에' (e.g., 대학교에 진학하다).
It is culturally significant in Korea, representing personal and familial success.

The Korean verb 진학하다 (jinhakhada) is a fundamental term in the context of the South Korean education system, which is renowned for its intensity and cultural importance. At its core, the word means to advance or proceed to a higher level of education. This is not merely about entering a school but specifically refers to the transition from one educational tier to the next, such as moving from middle school to high school, or more commonly, from high school to a university or college. The term is composed of two Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters: jin (進), meaning to advance or move forward, and hak (學), meaning learning or study. Therefore, the literal translation is 'to advance in learning.' Understanding this word is crucial because it often carries the weight of personal ambition, familial expectation, and societal pressure within the Korean context.

Core Concept: The act of moving upward through the formal education system, typically involving an entrance examination or a selection process for a higher-tier institution.

In daily life, you will hear this word most frequently during the 'entrance exam season' (입시 철), which occurs toward the end of the calendar year in Korea. Parents, teachers, and students use 진학하다 to discuss future plans, career paths, and the specific institutions they hope to attend. It is a more formal and specific term than the general verb '가다' (to go). While a student might say 'I am going to university' using '가다' in casual conversation, the term 진학하다 is preferred in academic counseling, official documents, and news reports regarding education statistics.

고등학생들은 좋은 대학교에 진학하기 위해서 열심히 공부합니다. (High school students study hard in order to advance to a good university.)

Contextual Nuance: It implies a successful transition. You don't just 'enter' (입학하다); you 'advance' (진학하다) because you have completed the previous stage and met the requirements for the next.

The societal importance of 진학하다 cannot be overstated. In South Korea, the university one advances to can significantly influence their future employment opportunities, social status, and even marriage prospects. This has led to the term being associated with various social phenomena, such as 'N-su' (taking the entrance exam multiple times) to ensure one advances to a top-tier university. When a student successfully 'advances,' it is often seen as a collective achievement for the entire family.

그는 해외 대학원으로의 진학을 결심했습니다. (He decided to advance to a graduate school overseas.)

Common Collocations: 상급 학교 (higher school), 대학교 (university), 대학원 (graduate school), 전문대 (junior college).

Finally, it is worth noting that 진학하다 is used for vertical movement in education. If you are transferring from one university to another at the same level, you would use '편입하다' (to transfer) instead. If you are simply starting school for the first time or entering a specific grade, '입학하다' is used. However, '진학' emphasizes the progression of one's academic journey toward higher expertise and qualifications.

Using 진학하다 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure and the specific contexts where it fits best. As a verb, it functions similarly to other '-hada' verbs, taking the standard conjugations for various politeness levels and tenses. The most important grammatical rule to remember is the use of the particle 에 to mark the destination of the advancement. Unlike some English verbs that might take a direct object, 진학하다 focuses on the movement 'to' a higher institution.

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + [Destination School] + 에 + 진학하다

Let's look at how the tense changes the meaning. In the present tense, 진학해요 or 진학합니다 might describe a general fact or a current process of applying. In the future tense, 진학할 거예요 expresses an intention or a planned path. The past tense 진학했어요 is used to state that someone has already successfully moved up to a higher school level. This is often a point of pride in Korean conversations.

저는 내년에 예술 고등학교에 진학하고 싶어요. (I want to advance to an arts high school next year.)

Formal vs. Informal: In formal settings like interviews, use '진학하고자 합니다' (I intend to advance). In casual settings with friends, '진학해' is common but '대학 가다' (going to college) is more frequently used in speech.

Another important usage is the noun form 진학. This can be combined with other nouns to create compound terms. For example, 진학 상담 means 'academic counseling' or 'counseling for advancing to the next school level.' 진학률 refers to the 'rate of students advancing to higher education.' These noun forms are ubiquitous in the Korean media when discussing education trends and statistics.

많은 학생들이 명문대에 진학하기를 꿈꿉니다. (Many students dream of advancing to prestigious universities.)

Negative Forms: 진학하지 않다 (to not advance) or 진학을 포기하다 (to give up on advancing). These are used when a student decides to enter the workforce directly.

When discussing the 'purpose' of study, you might use the form 진학을 위해 (for the sake of advancing). This highlights the goal-oriented nature of the Korean education system. For instance, '진학을 위해 학원에 다녀요' (I go to a private academy for the sake of advancing to a higher school). This structure emphasizes that the current activity is a stepping stone for the next academic level.

In South Korea, 진학하다 is a word that echoes through hallways, television screens, and dinner tables. It is a central part of the national consciousness. You will most likely encounter this word in the following environments: schools, home during discussions about the future, news broadcasts, and specialized academic institutions called 'hagwons.' Each context gives the word a slightly different weight and emotional resonance.

In Schools: Teachers use this term during 'Jin-ro' (career) classes. You'll see posters titled '진학 안내' (Guide to Advancing to Higher Schools) on bulletin boards. Counselors will ask, '어느 대학에 진학하고 싶니?' (Which university do you want to advance to?).

On the news, 진학하다 is used when reporting on the 'college entrance rate' (대학 진학률). Korea has one of the highest rates of university advancement in the world, often exceeding 70-80%. News anchors will discuss how these rates change over time or how they differ between urban and rural areas. For example, '올해 대학 진학률이 소폭 상승했습니다' (The university advancement rate rose slightly this year). This makes the word part of the economic and social discourse of the country.

뉴스: "올해는 의과대학에 진학하려는 학생들이 작년보다 늘어났습니다." (News: "The number of students seeking to advance to medical school has increased compared to last year.")

At Home: Parents often use this word when talking to their children about their future. It carries a sense of responsibility. A mother might say, '네가 원하는 곳에 진학하려면 지금부터 열심히 해야 해' (If you want to advance to the place you want, you must work hard from now on).

In the world of K-dramas and movies, especially those focused on students (like 'Sky Castle' or 'Reply 1988'), the struggle to 진학하다 to a prestigious school is a frequent plot point. The word becomes a symbol of the characters' dreams, their parents' sacrifices, and the intense competition of the Korean educational landscape. Hearing the word in these dramas often underscores the stress and high stakes involved in the Korean 'Ip-si' (entrance exam) culture.

드라마 대사: "저는 무조건 서울에 있는 대학에 진학할 거예요!" (Drama line: "I am definitely going to advance to a university in Seoul!")

In Advertisements: Private academies (hagwons) use this word in their marketing. '명문대 진학의 지름길!' (The shortcut to advancing to a prestigious university!) is a common slogan designed to attract ambitious students and their parents.

While 진학하다 seems straightforward, learners of Korean often confuse it with other education-related verbs. The most common error is using it interchangeably with 입학하다 (to enter/enroll in a school). While they are related, 입학하다 is the general act of starting at any school, whereas 진학하다 specifically emphasizes the progression from a lower level to a higher level. For example, a child entering elementary school for the first time '입학's, but they don't '진학' because they aren't moving up from a previous school level.

Mistake 1: Wrong Level: Using '진학하다' for elementary school. Correct: 초등학교에 입학하다. Incorrect: 초등학교에 진학하다 (unless referring to moving from a specific preschool program, but even then it's rare).

Another mistake involves the choice of particles. Some learners might try to use the object particle 을/를 with the school name, thinking of 'entering' as a direct action on the school. However, 진학하다 is an intransitive verb in this context, requiring the destination particle 에. You advance 'to' a school, you don't 'advance a school.' Saying '대학교를 진학하다' is grammatically awkward, though '대학교 진학을 하다' (using the noun form) is acceptable.

Correct: 대학교에 진학하다.
Incorrect: 대학교를 진학하다.

Mistake 2: Confusing Transfer vs. Advance: If you move from one university to another university to finish your degree, that is '편입하다' (transfer). '진학하다' is only for moving to a higher level, like Bachelors to Masters.

Learners also sometimes forget that 진학하다 is a formal word. In very casual speech, it can sound a bit stiff. If you are just telling a friend you are going to college, '대학 가기로 했어' (I decided to go to college) is more natural than '대학에 진학하기로 했어.' Using the formal term in a very casual setting isn't 'wrong,' but it might make you sound like you're reading from a textbook.

Wrong: 어학원에 진학해요. (I am advancing to a language school.)
Right: 어학원에 등록해요 (register) or 다녀요 (attend).

Mistake 3: Tense Confusion: Often learners say '진학해요' when they mean they 'will' advance. In Korean, if the event is in the future, using the future marker '-ㄹ 거예요' or the intentional '-고 싶다' is much clearer for this specific verb.

To truly master 진학하다, it helps to see it alongside its synonyms and related terms. Korean has a rich vocabulary for education, and choosing the right word depends on whether you're talking about the start, the end, or the transition of the academic process. Here are the primary comparisons:

진학하다 vs. 입학하다: 진학하다: Moving to a higher level (e.g., High School → University). Focuses on the progression.
입학하다: Entering a school (any level). Focuses on the act of starting at a specific institution.

Another related word is 상급 학교에 가다. This is the more colloquial version of '진학하다.' '상급' (sang-geup) means 'higher grade' or 'higher level.' Using '가다' (to go) makes it less formal. Students might say this to each other: '너는 어떤 상급 학교에 가고 싶어?' (Which higher school do you want to go to?). However, 진학하다 remains the standard for any official or semi-formal discussion.

비교: 대학에 진학하다 (Formal) vs. 대학에 가다 (Casual)

진학하다 vs. 유학하다: 유학하다: To study abroad. You can '진학' to a university overseas, which would be '해외 대학으로 진학하다.' '유학' is the general term for studying in a foreign country.

Then there is 취업하다 (to get a job). This is the antonym in terms of life path. After high school, a student either 진학s to university or 취업s to start working. This choice is a major turning point in a young Korean person's life. In statistical reports, you will often see '진학률' (advancement rate) contrasted with '취업률' (employment rate).

진학하다 vs. 편입하다: 편입하다: To transfer schools at the same level (e.g., University A to University B). '진학' is strictly for moving to a higher academic tier.

In summary, while '가다' is the most common way to say you're going somewhere, 진학하다 is the specific, professional, and culturally resonant way to describe the upward journey through the academic ranks. Mastering its use will help you sound more precise and understand the deep educational values of Korean society.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, this concept was linked to the civil service examinations (Gwageo). Advancing to higher levels of the examination system was the only path to political power and social status, a sentiment that still influences the modern Korean obsession with 'Jinhak'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕin.ɦak.ɦa.da/

US /t͡ɕin.ɦak.ɦa.da/

In Korean, stress is relatively even across syllables, but a slight emphasis is often placed on the first syllable '진' (jin).

Rhymes With

입학하다 (iphakhada) 유학하다 (yuhakhada) 도착하다 (dochakhada) 시작하다 (sijakhada) 생각하다 (saenggakhada) 정착하다 (jeongchakhada) 세탁하다 (setakhada) 부탁하다 (butakhada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jin' like 'gin' with a very hard 'g'. It should be a softer 'j' sound.
Failing to pronounce the 'h' in 'hada', making it sound like 'jin-ak-a-da'.
Over-stressing the final syllable 'da'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts about students or education.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct use of the particle '에' and formal conjugation.

Speaking 3/5

Important for discussing one's background and future plans.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in news and school-related conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

학교 (school) 공부하다 (to study) 가다 (to go) 대학교 (university) 졸업하다 (to graduate)

Learn Next

전공하다 (to major in) 합격하다 (to pass an exam) 취업하다 (to get a job) 장학금 (scholarship) 캠퍼스 (campus)

Advanced

학위 (degree) 석사 (Master's) 박사 (Doctorate) 연구 (research) 학술 (academic)

Grammar to Know

Particle '에' for Destination

대학교[에] 진학하다.

-기 위해 (In order to)

진학하[기 위해] 공부해요.

-고 싶다 (Want to)

대학원에 진학하[고 싶어요].

-ㄹ 예정이다 (Plan to)

내년에 진학[할 예정입니다].

-아서/어서 (Because)

성적이 좋아[서] 명문대에 진학했어요.

Examples by Level

저는 대학교에 가고 싶어요.

I want to go to university.

A1 students use '가다' (to go) instead of '진학하다'.

언니는 내년에 대학생이 돼요.

My older sister becomes a college student next year.

Simple future state.

학교가 좋아요.

I like school.

Basic descriptive sentence.

공부를 열심히 해요.

I study hard.

Basic action verb.

우리 형은 대학교에 있어요.

My older brother is at university.

Location particle '에'.

내 친구는 고등학생이에요.

My friend is a high school student.

Noun + 이다.

저는 영어를 공부해요.

I study English.

Object particle '를'.

선생님이 학교에 오세요.

The teacher comes to school.

Honorific '오시다'.

저는 내년에 고등학교에 진학해요.

I advance to high school next year.

Present tense used for a scheduled future.

대학교에 진학하고 싶습니까?

Do you want to advance to university?

-고 싶다 (want to) with a question mark.

그는 예술 대학에 진학했습니다.

He advanced to an arts college.

Past tense -았습니다.

진학을 위해서 열심히 공부해요.

I study hard for the sake of advancing (to a higher school).

Noun + 을 위해서 (for the sake of).

어느 학교에 진학할 거예요?

Which school will you advance to?

Future tense -ㄹ 거예요.

제 동생은 아직 진학하지 않았어요.

My younger sibling hasn't advanced (to a higher school) yet.

Negative -지 않았다.

진학 준비를 시작했어요.

I started preparing for advancement.

Noun '진학' used as an object.

친구와 같이 대학에 진학하고 싶어요.

I want to advance to university together with my friend.

Adverb '같이' (together).

성적이 좋아서 원하는 대학에 진학할 수 있었어요.

Because my grades were good, I was able to advance to the university I wanted.

Reason -아서/어서 and ability -ㄹ 수 있었다.

부모님은 제가 의대에 진학하기를 바라십니다.

My parents hope that I will advance to medical school.

Noun clause -기 and honorific -바라시다.

진학 상담을 받으러 선생님께 갔어요.

I went to my teacher to receive academic counseling for advancement.

Purpose -러 가다.

대학원에 진학하면 무엇을 전공하고 싶어요?

If you advance to graduate school, what do you want to major in?

Conditional -면.

그는 군대에 다녀온 후에 대학에 진학했습니다.

He advanced to university after serving in the military.

Time order -ㄴ 후에.

진학할 학교를 아직 결정하지 못했어요.

I haven't been able to decide on the school I will advance to yet.

Adnominal future -ㄹ and inability 못.

해외 대학으로 진학하는 학생들이 많아지고 있어요.

The number of students advancing to overseas universities is increasing.

Change of state -아/어지다.

그는 진학 대신 취업을 선택했습니다.

He chose employment instead of advancing to a higher school.

Instead of -대신.

많은 학생들이 명문대에 진학하기 위해 밤늦게까지 공부합니다.

Many students study until late at night to advance to prestigious universities.

Purpose -기 위해.

대학 진학률이 높아지면서 경쟁도 치열해졌습니다.

As the university advancement rate increased, competition also became fierce.

Simultaneous action/reason -(으)면서.

자신의 적성을 고려하여 진학할 학과를 정해야 합니다.

You must decide on the department to advance to by considering your own aptitude.

Considering -고려하여 and obligation -해야 하다.

그는 가정 형편 때문에 진학을 포기할 수밖에 없었습니다.

He had no choice but to give up on advancing to school because of his family's financial situation.

Reason -때문에 and no choice but -ㄹ 수밖에 없다.

진학 문제는 학생뿐만 아니라 부모님께도 큰 고민거리입니다.

The issue of advancing to school is a big worry not only for students but also for parents.

Not only... but also -뿐만 아니라.

상급 학교로 진학할 때 가장 중요한 것은 무엇일까요?

When advancing to a higher school, what do you think is the most important thing?

Time -ㄹ 때 and conjecture -ㄹ까요.

전문계 고등학교를 졸업하고 바로 취업하는 대신 대학에 진학하는 경우도 많습니다.

There are many cases where students advance to university instead of getting a job immediately after graduating from a vocational high school.

Instead of -ㄴ 대신.

그녀는 장학금을 받고 유명한 대학에 진학하는 데 성공했습니다.

She succeeded in advancing to a famous university with a scholarship.

Succeeding in -는 데 성공하다.

고학력 사회가 되면서 대학 진학은 필수적인 과정으로 인식되고 있습니다.

As we become a highly educated society, advancing to university is being perceived as an essential process.

Passive voice -되다/인식되다.

무분별한 대학 진학보다는 자신의 진로를 진지하게 탐색하는 시간이 필요합니다.

Rather than advancing to university indiscriminately, time to seriously explore one's career path is needed.

Comparison -보다(는).

경제적 양극화가 교육 기회의 불평등으로 이어져 진학 격차를 심화시키고 있습니다.

Economic polarization leads to inequality in educational opportunities, deepening the gap in school advancement.

Causative -시키다.

그는 학문적 열망을 실현하고자 늦은 나이에 대학원에 진학했습니다.

He advanced to graduate school at a late age in order to realize his academic aspirations.

Formal purpose -하고자.

정부는 저소득층 자녀들의 진학을 돕기 위해 다양한 지원책을 마련하고 있습니다.

The government is preparing various support measures to help the children of low-income families advance to higher schools.

Purpose -기 위해.

진학을 앞둔 수험생들에게 가장 필요한 것은 심리적 안정입니다.

The most necessary thing for examinees facing advancement is psychological stability.

Facing/before -을 앞둔.

학벌 위주의 사회 풍토가 과도한 진학 경쟁을 부추기고 있다는 지적이 있습니다.

There are points being made that a society centered on academic cliques is inciting excessive competition for school advancement.

Noun clause -다는 지적.

그녀는 자신의 꿈을 좇아 안정적인 직장을 그만두고 요리 학교에 진학했습니다.

She quit her stable job and advanced to a culinary school to follow her dream.

Following -좇아.

현대 사회에서 대학 진학은 단순한 학문적 성취를 넘어 사회적 자본을 획득하는 수단으로 변질되기도 합니다.

In modern society, advancing to university sometimes deteriorates into a means of acquiring social capital, beyond simple academic achievement.

Beyond -를 넘어 and also -기도 하다.

교육열이 높은 한국 사회에서 진학은 가문의 영광이자 개인의 실존적 과제로 여겨집니다.

In Korean society with high educational fervor, advancement is regarded as both the glory of the family and an existential task for the individual.

Both A and B -이자.

학령인구의 감소는 대학들의 존립을 위협하며 진학 구조의 근본적인 변화를 요구하고 있습니다.

The decrease in the school-age population threatens the existence of universities and demands fundamental changes in the advancement structure.

Demanding -요구하고 있다.

그는 지식의 상아탑에 진학하여 진리를 탐구하겠다는 일념으로 고난을 이겨냈습니다.

He overcame hardships with the single-minded determination to advance to the ivory tower of knowledge and explore the truth.

Intention -겠다는 일념.

진학 결정 과정에서 부모의 사회경제적 지위가 미치는 영향력은 여전히 지대합니다.

The influence exerted by parents' socio-economic status in the process of deciding on school advancement is still immense.

Modifier -는 영향력.

지나친 진학 지상주의는 청소년들의 창의성과 자율성을 저해하는 부작용을 낳고 있습니다.

Excessive advancement-first ideology is producing side effects that hinder the creativity and autonomy of youth.

Hindering -저해하는.

평생 교육의 관점에서 볼 때, 진학은 특정 연령대에 국한된 이벤트가 아니라 전 생애에 걸친 과정이어야 합니다.

From the perspective of lifelong education, advancement should not be an event limited to a specific age group but a process spanning one's entire life.

Not A but B -가 아니라.

진학을 둘러싼 사회적 담론은 단순히 입시 제도의 문제를 넘어 공정성의 가치에 대한 논의로 확장됩니다.

The social discourse surrounding school advancement extends beyond the issue of the entrance exam system to a discussion on the value of fairness.

Surrounding -을 둘러싼.

Common Collocations

대학교에 진학하다

대학원에 진학하다

명문대에 진학하다

해외로 진학하다

진학을 희망하다

진학을 포기하다

진학을 결정하다

진학 상담을 받다

진학률이 높다

진학 준비

Common Phrases

진학 지도

— Guidance provided by teachers to help students advance to the next school level.

진학 지도 선생님과 면담을 했어요.

진학 예정자

— A person who is scheduled or expected to advance to a higher school soon.

대학 진학 예정자들을 위한 오리엔테이션이 열립니다.

진학 동기

— The motivation or reason for wanting to advance to a specific school.

자기소개서에 진학 동기를 명확하게 적으세요.

상급 학교 진학

— Advancing to a higher-level school (formal phrase).

상급 학교 진학은 중요한 인생의 결정입니다.

진학 문제

— Issues or concerns related to advancing to a higher school.

진학 문제로 부모님과 갈등이 생겼어요.

진학 자격

— The qualifications or requirements needed to advance to a higher school.

그 대학에 진학할 자격이 되는지 확인해 보세요.

진학 시험

— An entrance exam taken specifically to advance to a higher school.

진학 시험 공부 때문에 요즘 너무 바빠요.

진학 기회

— An opportunity to advance to a higher level of education.

누구에게나 평등한 진학 기회가 주어져야 합니다.

진학 포기자

— A person who decides not to advance to a higher school level.

진학 포기자들을 위한 직업 훈련 프로그램이 있습니다.

진학 열기

— The fervor or high interest in advancing to higher schools within a society.

한국의 뜨거운 진학 열기는 세계적으로 유명합니다.

Often Confused With

진학하다 vs 입학하다

입학하다 is general 'entering school'. 진학하다 is 'advancing to a higher level'.

진학하다 vs 편입하다

편입하다 is 'transferring' between schools of the same level.

진학하다 vs 복학하다

복학하다 is 'returning to school' after a break (like military service).

Idioms & Expressions

"학문의 길에 들어서다"

— To enter the path of learning. Often used when someone advances to a high-level institution.

그는 대학원에 진학하며 본격적으로 학문의 길에 들어섰습니다.

Formal/Literary

"좁은 문을 통과하다"

— To pass through a narrow gate. Idiom for succeeding in a very competitive school entrance.

그는 경쟁률이 높은 의대에 진학하며 좁은 문을 통과했습니다.

Neutral

"상아탑으로 향하다"

— To head toward the ivory tower. A metaphor for going to university.

고등학교를 졸업한 그는 드디어 상아탑으로 향했습니다.

Literary

"등용문에 오르다"

— To pass the gateway to success. Historically refers to passing exams, now often used for elite university advancement.

명문대 진학은 성공을 위한 등용문으로 여겨집니다.

Formal/Historical

"가문의 영광"

— The glory of the family. Often said when someone advances to a prestigious school.

그가 법대에 진학한 것은 우리 가문의 영광입니다.

Neutral/Warm

"꿈의 날개를 펴다"

— To spread the wings of one's dreams. Used when advancing to a school that allows one to pursue their passion.

예술 대학에 진학하여 꿈의 날개를 펴게 되었습니다.

Literary

"첫 단추를 잘 끼우다"

— To button the first button well. Meaning to start a new stage of life (like a new school) successfully.

원하는 대학에 진학했으니 인생의 첫 단추를 잘 끼운 셈입니다.

Neutral

"배움에는 끝이 없다"

— There is no end to learning. Often used to justify advancing to graduate school at an older age.

배움에는 끝이 없기에 50세에 대학원에 진학했습니다.

Polite/Proverb

"개천에서 용 나다"

— A dragon rises from a small stream. Used when someone from a poor background advances to a top university.

가난한 형편에도 명문대에 진학했으니 개천에서 용 났네요.

Informal/Idiom

"인생의 전환점"

— A turning point in life. Often how university advancement is described.

대학 진학은 제 인생의 큰 전환점이 되었습니다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

진학하다 vs 입학하다

Both involve starting at a school.

입학하다 is used for any entry, even starting elementary school for the first time. 진학하다 specifically implies moving from a lower tier to a higher tier (e.g., High School to University). You can '입학' into a gym, but you can only '진학' to a higher academic institution.

그는 7살에 초등학교에 입학했다. (Correct) / 그는 7살에 초등학교에 진학했다. (Incorrect)

진학하다 vs 전학하다

Both involve moving schools.

전학하다 means to transfer to a different school of the same level (e.g., moving from one high school to another because your family moved house). 진학하다 is moving to a *higher* level.

이사 때문에 다른 고등학교로 전학했어요.

진학하다 vs 유학하다

Both describe a student's path.

유학하다 means to study abroad in a foreign country. You can 진학 (advance) to a higher school *while* you 유학 (study abroad).

미국으로 유학 가서 그곳 대학에 진학했어요.

진학하다 vs 취업하다

These are the two main choices after graduation.

취업하다 means to get a job and enter the workforce. It is the opposite path of 진학하다 (continuing education).

졸업 후에 진학할지 취업할지 고민이에요.

진학하다 vs 편입하다

Both involve changing schools.

편입하다 is transferring in the middle of a course, usually at the university level. 진학하다 is starting a fresh new level after completing the previous one.

전문대를 졸업하고 4년제 대학으로 편입했어요.

Sentence Patterns

저는 [School]에 진학하고 싶어요.

저는 요리 학교에 진학하고 싶어요.

[Name]은/는 [School]에 진학했습니다.

민수는 서울대학교에 진학했습니다.

[School]에 진학하기 위해 [Action]을/를 해요.

대학에 진학하기 위해 수학 공부를 해요.

[Reason] 때문에 진학을 [Decision].

돈 때문에 진학을 포기했어요.

[School] 진학은 [Opinion].

대학원 진학은 제 인생의 목표입니다.

[Condition]-(으)면 [School]에 진학할 수 있어요.

시험에 합격하면 대학에 진학할 수 있어요.

[Subject]의 진학률이 [Change]하고 있다.

여학생의 대학 진학률이 급격히 상승하고 있다.

진학을 둘러싼 [Issue]은/는 [Context].

진학을 둘러싼 사회적 갈등은 심각한 수준입니다.

Word Family

Nouns

진학 (advancement to a higher school)

진학자 (a person who advances to a higher school)

진학률 (advancement rate)

미진학자 (a person who does not advance to a higher school)

Verbs

진학시키다 (to cause/help someone to advance to a higher school)

입학 (entrance/enrollment)

졸업 (graduation)

취업 (employment)

편입 (transfer)

복학 (returning to school)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in academic, parental, and media contexts in South Korea.

Common Mistakes

초등학교에 진학하다 → 초등학교에 입학하다
You don't 'advance' to the first level of school; you simply 'enter' it.
대학교를 진학하다 → 대학교에 진학하다
The verb requires the destination particle '에', not the object particle '를'.
학원에 진학하다 → 학원에 다니다 / 등록하다
'진학하다' is only for formal levels of the school system (Middle, High, University).
진학하다 used for transferring → 편입하다
If you move from one university to another at the same level, it is not '진학'.
Using '진학하다' for a hobby class → 수강하다 / 배우다
'진학하다' implies a major academic step, not just taking a single course.

Tips

Use the '에' Particle

Always remember that '진학하다' is an intransitive verb indicating movement to a destination. Use '에' for the school name. '대학교에 진학해요' is correct.

Formal Contexts

Use '진학하다' in interviews, applications, and formal discussions. For casual talk with friends, '대학 가다' is more natural.

Learn the Noun Form

The noun '진학' is very useful. It appears in many compound words like '진학률' (advancement rate) and '진학 상담' (counseling).

Understand the Stakes

In Korea, '진학' is a high-pressure topic. Be mindful of this when asking Korean students about their '진학' plans.

News Keywords

When you hear '대학 진학' on the news, they are usually talking about the competitive nature of the Korean education system.

Application Essays

In a '자기소개서' (self-introduction), use '진학 동기' to explain why you want to advance to that specific school.

Don't confuse with Transfer

If you are moving between schools at the same level, use '편입하다'. '진학하다' is only for moving UP a level.

Jin = Advance

Associate 'Jin' with 'Jin-bo' (progress/advance). You are progressing in your education.

Soft 'H'

The 'h' sound in '진학' and '하다' can sometimes blend together in fast speech. Try to keep them distinct but fluid.

Graduate School

For '진학' to graduate school, it's always '대학원에 진학하다'. This is a common goal for many Korean professionals.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jin' as 'Junior' moving up, and 'Hak' as 'Hawk' (a bird that flies high). A 'Junior Hawk' advances to a higher level of school!

Visual Association

Imagine a student climbing a staircase where each step is a bigger, more impressive school building. The act of stepping up is '진학하다'.

Word Web

학교 (School) 공부 (Study) 대학교 (University) 입시 (Entrance Exam) 성공 (Success) 미래 (Future) 선생님 (Teacher) 부모님 (Parents)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your own educational history using '진학하다'. For example, tell a friend which university you want to advance to or which school you advanced to in the past.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 進 (진 - jin) and 學 (학 - hak).

Original meaning: 進 means 'to advance, move forward, or enter.' 學 means 'to study, learn, or school.' Combined, they mean 'to advance in one's studies' or 'to enter a higher level of school.'

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing '진학' with Korean friends who may have failed their entrance exams or feel extreme pressure. It can be a very stressful topic.

In English-speaking countries, people usually say 'going to college' or 'starting university.' 'Advancing to a higher level of education' sounds very formal and is rarely used in casual speech, unlike '진학하다' which is common in Korean media and counseling.

Sky Castle (K-Drama): A show entirely dedicated to the extreme measures parents take to ensure their children '진학' to top medical schools. Reply 1988 (K-Drama): Features the relatable struggle of high school seniors preparing for their next step in education. The term 'S-K-Y': Refers to the top three universities (Seoul National, Korea, Yonsei) that everyone dreams of '진학'-ing to.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School Counseling

진학 상담을 하고 싶어요.
어떤 대학에 진학하는 게 좋을까요?
제 성적으로 진학이 가능할까요?
진학 지도를 부탁드립니다.

Family Dinner

대학 진학은 어떻게 되어가니?
원하는 곳에 꼭 진학하길 바란다.
진학 준비하느라 고생이 많구나.
진학하면 사고 싶은 게 있니?

News/Media

대학 진학률이 발표되었습니다.
진학 경쟁이 심화되고 있습니다.
해외 대학 진학이 늘고 있습니다.
진학 포기자가 증가하고 있습니다.

Job Interview

대학원에 진학한 이유는 무엇입니까?
진학 과정에서 배운 점이 많습니다.
전문성을 쌓기 위해 진학을 결정했습니다.
진학 대신 실무 경험을 선택했습니다.

Self-Introduction

저는 한국 대학교에 진학할 예정입니다.
졸업 후 바로 대학원에 진학했습니다.
꿈을 위해 요리 학교에 진학했습니다.
진학을 위해 한국어를 배우고 있습니다.

Conversation Starters

"고등학교 졸업하면 바로 대학교에 진학할 거예요?"

"어떤 전공을 위해서 그 대학에 진학하고 싶어요?"

"한국의 높은 대학 진학률에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"대학원에 진학하는 것과 취업하는 것 중 무엇이 더 좋을까요?"

"진학하고 싶은 꿈의 학교가 있나요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 만약 다시 대학에 진학한다면, 어떤 전공을 선택하고 싶은지 써 보세요.

진학을 위해 가장 열심히 노력했던 순간에 대해 기록해 보세요.

대학교 진학이 인생에서 얼마나 중요한지 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요.

내가 가고 싶은 상급 학교(진학 희망 학교)의 리스트와 그 이유를 적어 보세요.

진학 대신 다른 길(취업, 여행 등)을 선택한다면 무엇을 하고 싶은지 써 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. Since elementary school is the first level of formal education for most, you use '입학하다' (to enter/enroll). '진학하다' is reserved for moving to middle school, high school, or university.

Yes, in the context of high school seniors, it is the formal way to say they are going to college. However, '진학하다' can also mean moving from middle school to high school.

You should use the destination particle '에'. For example: '대학교에 진학하다'. Using '을/를' is considered incorrect in this context.

It is '진학률' (jinhak-ryul). This is a very common term in Korean news when discussing education statistics.

Yes! If an adult decides to go back to school for a Master's or PhD, they '진학' to graduate school (대학원).

No. For private academies, you use '다니다' (to attend) or '등록하다' (to register/enroll). '진학하다' is only for the formal school system.

'진학' is the act of advancing to the next school. '입시' (ipsi) stands for 'entrance examination'—it is the process or the exam you take to achieve '진학'.

You can say '대학교에 진학하고 싶어요' (Standard polite) or '대학교에 진학하고자 합니다' (Very formal/written).

Yes, especially for students, parents, and teachers. It is one of the most important words in the Korean educational vocabulary.

The most common alternative path is '취업하다' (to get a job). If you mean stopping school, it could be '중퇴하다' (to drop out) or '졸업하다' (to graduate without further study).