[News Today] Burdensome prices of school uniforms

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The government says it will recommend schools move away from formal-style uniforms and allow more casual ones instead.

The move comes amid growing complaints that uniforms are too expensive and uncomfortable.

A government survey found that six out of ten schools require both formal and casual uniforms. Together, they cost more than 400,000 won on average.

[REPORT]

Middle school students head home after school.

Most of them are wearing casual uniforms or gym clothes instead of formal-style uniforms.

Yoo Chae-won / Middle school student

I wear my gym uniform four times a week, and the formal uniform only once a week.

Formal-style uniforms are only worn for official events.

As students outgrow their uniforms quickly, parents have to buy new ones multiple times.

Lee Kyu-haeng / Middle school student

I had to buy a new uniform because the old one was too small. I bought two shirts and two pairs of pants.

At six out of ten middle and high schools nationwide, students are required to purchase both formal and casual uniforms.

The average price of a formal uniform is 266,000 won while a casual uniform costs about 153,000 won.

That exceeds 400,000 won or around 265 U.S. dollars in total.

Parents end up spending more money on formal uniforms that students hardly ever wear.

The government has reiterated that it will recommend schools allow their students to wear casual uniforms instead of formal-style ones.

Noh Jin-young / Ministry of Education

Local education offices can revise guidelines on school uniform simplification, and schools can change their rules through discussions.

The government will also introduce a price ceiling for casual school uniforms, including hooded jumpers and pants.

Starting next month, schools will be required to disclose uniform types and prices on their websites so parents can compare them.