Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/331687 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 18123
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
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.
Subjects: 
historical institutions
human capital
Hyanggyo
Joseon
cultural transmission
JEL: 
I23
J24
N35
O15
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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