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The Enduring Legacy of Educational Institutions: Evidence from Hyanggyo in Pre-Modern Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Jung, Yeonha

  • Kim, Minki

    (University of Mannheim)

  • Lee, Munseob

    (University of California, San Diego)

Abstract

This study examines the long-term impact of Hyanggyo, state-sponsored educational institutions established during the early Joseon Dynasty in Korea (1392-1592), on human capital accumulation. Although these schools largely ceased functioning as educational centers by the late 16th century, their influence has endured to the present day. Drawing on a newly constructed township-level dataset, we find a robust positive association between historical exposure to Hyanggyo and modern educational attainment. This relationship appears to be driven by enduring local demand for education, supported by three complementary findings. First, regions with greater historical exposure experienced larger gains in Japanese literacy during colonial era school expansions. Second, residents in these areas express stronger pro-education attitudes today. Third, historically exposed regions exhibited lower fertility rates, consistent with a quantity–quality tradeoff in parental investment. Together, our findings highlight the lasting legacy of early educational institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jung, Yeonha & Kim, Minki & Lee, Munseob, 2025. "The Enduring Legacy of Educational Institutions: Evidence from Hyanggyo in Pre-Modern Korea," IZA Discussion Papers 18123, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18123
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    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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