This study examines intergenerational educational mobility in South Korea to provide a comprehensive analysis of social mobility and its underlying factors. By assessing both absolute and relative educational mobility, the study aims to highlight disparities in access to higher education and the influence of parental background. The findings indicate that while South Korea exhibits high intergenerational educational mobility, the trend of upward mobility has weakened in recent birth cohorts, with parental education and income playing a growing role in shaping children’s educational outcomes. In particular, the analysis reveals that income disparities increasingly translate into differences in access to top-tier universities, reinforcing intergenerational inequality. Moreover, structural changes, such as rising university enrollment rates, necessitate a nuanced approach to measuring educational mobility. To enhance equal opportunities, policy efforts should focus on expanding educational access for disadvantaged groups and preventing income inequality from perpetuating educational disparities. Reforming university admissions to incorporate diverse selection criteria beyond standardized test scores can help ensure that academic achievement is determined by individual ability and effort rather than socioeconomic background.

Abstract (ENG)
Preface
Summary (KOR)

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Current Status of Intergenerational Educational Mobility
　Section 1. Intergenerational Educational Mobility in South Korea
　Section 2. Regional Variations in Intergenerational Educational Mobility

Chapter 3. Intergenerational Educational Mobility Considering Structural Changes
　Section 1. Intergenerational Educational Mobility in South Korea Considering Structural Changes
　Section 2. Regional Intergenerational Educational Mobility Considering Structural Changes

Chapter 4. Parental Income and Intergenerational Educational Mobility
　Section 1. Parental Income and Intergenerational Educational Mobility in South Korea
　Section 2. The Impact of Parental Income on Intergenerational Educational Mobility

Chapter 5. Conclusion and Policy Recommendations

References
Appendix