What grade is an A in Korea?

Decoding Korean Grades: A Look at the Su, U, and Mi System

Korean academic grading systems differ significantly from the familiar letter-grade system prevalent in many Western countries. Instead of using letters like A, B, and C, Korean schools utilize a unique set of characters and numerical equivalents. Understanding this system is crucial for anyone interacting with Korean education, particularly students or researchers.

The most straightforward translation of Korean grades to Western equivalents is as follows:

• Su (秀): This character signifies an “A” grade, encompassing scores from 91% to 100%. It translates to “excellent” or “outstanding” achievement.

• U (優): Correspondingly, “U” (優) represents a “B” grade, usually indicating a strong performance within the 80-90% range.

• Mi (美): The character “Mi” (美), signifying “beautiful” or “good,” marks a “C” grade and generally corresponds to a score between 70 and 80%.

It’s important to note that these are general ranges. Specific numerical equivalents can vary slightly depending on the school and specific grading policy in place. However, the overall trend remains consistent: Su (秀) for the highest achievement, U (優) for above average performance, and Mi (美) for satisfactory work.

Beyond these primary grades, Korean systems often include additional classifications to further refine performance. These secondary categories might include specific notations for specific areas of strength or weakness within a subject. The grading system thus allows for more nuanced feedback and more personalized student growth.

This system reflects a different approach to evaluating student achievement. While a simple numerical score can be objective, the Korean system incorporates a value judgment, acknowledging that academic performance is more than just a number. The character-based grades arguably offer a more holistic assessment of a student’s knowledge and understanding.