ABSTRACT
Teachers have traditionally held a respected position in Korea and most other Asian societies, as the saying "never even step on the shadow of a teacher" suggests. But as the modern capitalist way of life has gradually spread in South Korea, it seems to have changed the way people view teachers and their profession. While the number of teachers in the Republic of Korea (ROK) has increased significantly, from about 30,000 in 1945 to about 320,000 in 1985, their socioecono"mic status has declined, and the traditional perception of their profession as almost a sacred calling has drastically changed.
